Wednesday, May 7, 2008

With the California legislature engaged in a particularly difficult struggle over this year's state budget, a recent committee vote against cutting Proposition 36, California’s landmark treatment-instead-of-incarceration law, sent a strong message of support for the program. Budget committees in both the Senate and the Assembly recently rejected the governor’s calls for a 10 percent funding cut to the program.

Assembly Member Berg, chair of the budget subcommittee in charge of Prop 36 funding, spoke out at a hearing in early April, saying that especially in a time of such extreme budget deficit, it is crucial to keep cost-saving, pro-public safety programs like Prop. 36 alive. The committee heard testimony from many stakeholders, including the Drug Policy Alliance and people who accessed treatment through Prop. 36. In addition to graduating 84,000 people, Prop. 36, which was approved by voters eight years ago, has saved taxpayers well over $1.5 billion and had no negative impact on crime trends.

After the testimony and expressions of support by both Chairperson Berg and Assembly Member Beall, the Assembly committee voted unanimously to oppose the proposed 10 percent cuts to funding.

A week later, more than 500 Prop. 36 participants, graduates and supporters rallied at the State Capitol in support of treatment-instead-of-incarceration. The rally added momentum to the Assembly vote of support and helped move Prop. 36 through the Senate budget subcommittee, which voted on April 14 to reject funding cuts to the program. There is still a long way to go in the California budget process, but this is a very positive early sign!

Lou Martinez, the Prop. 36 graduate and counselor who emceed the rally, said, “As a counselor at The Effort in Sacramento, it hurts me to see participants not having the same variety of services I had when I was in the program. I believe that every person that walks through the door has the same potential I have. They deserve the same kind of comprehensive services it took for me to succeed. These services have already been cut back, and there just isn’t any other place to cut.” Sherrie Davis, Prop. 36 participant, kept her words simple: “Prop 36 saved my life. Please don’t cut it’s funding. Other people need help, too.”

Prop 36. was approved by 61% of voters in November 2000. A June 2004 poll by the Field Institute showed support for the law at 73%. Nearly 12,000 people have successfully completed substance treatment during each year of Prop 36’s existence. For more, visit: www.prop36.org.