Sacramento, CA – The California Hispanic Legislative Caucus has sent a formal letter to Governor Gavin Newsom, demanding full funding for the implementation of Proposition 36, a voter-approved measure to strengthen public safety laws. The initiative, which passed with 68.42% support statewide—including over 60% of Hispanic voters, according to a Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS) poll released in early November 2024—aims to crack down on retail theft, hold criminals accountable, and provide law enforcement with critical resources to protect communities.
“Public safety is a top priority for the California Hispanic Caucus,” said Assemblyman Juan Alanis, Secretary for the CA Hispanic Caucus and a former Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Sergeant. “Latino communities are being hit hardest by rising crime, especially small business owners who are struggling to keep their doors open amid a surge in retail theft. Proposition 36 is a voter mandate to restore law and order, and we are holding the Governor accountable to deliver the funding necessary to implement it.”
The Caucus’ letter highlights how the failure to fully fund Prop 36 would place an unfair burden on local governments, particularly law enforcement agencies that are already operating on strained budgets. Hispanic business owners and working families suffer the most when crime goes unchecked—resulting in fewer job opportunities, higher prices, and worsening California’s affordability crisis.
“Keeping our communities safe isn’t optional—it’s a fundamental responsibility of government. The state can’t pass the buck to local law enforcement while violent criminals get a free pass. Voters made it clear: Prop 36 needs to be fully funded, and it needs to be funded now,” added Caucus Co-Chairs Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez and Senator Suzette Valladares.
The Caucus is also advocating for a comprehensive approach to public safety—combining tougher penalties for repeat offenders with investments in mental health and addiction treatment to break the cycle of crime. The cost of full implementation is less than 0.005% of the General Fund, yet failing to fund it would undermine public trust and risk the continued victimization of vulnerable communities.
The California Hispanic Legislative Caucus stands united in urging Governor Newsom to fund Proposition 36 in this year’s budget fully and remains committed to fighting for safer, more affordable communities across California. A copy of the letter is accessible by clicking here.
A Commitment to Action
The Caucus has formally requested equality in legislative support and funding to ensure that its members have the same resources as other legislative caucuses. Later this spring, the Caucus will release its legislative priorities, focused on economic growth, public safety, and affordability. Additionally, members will conduct meetings and listening sessions with Hispanic organizations, small business owners, workers, and community leaders across California’s cities and counties.
The California Hispanic Legislative Caucus is open to all lawmakers—regardless of party—who share a commitment to economic prosperity through affordability and cost-lowering policies and support of public safety that ensure safer communities for Hispanic Californians.