California GOP Leader Criticizes $283 Million Spending, Advocates for Prop 36 Funding

Jessica Millan Patterson, former Chairwoman of the California Republican Party, recently voiced strong disapproval of Sacramento politicians' alleged willingness to spend $283 million in taxpayer funds on a project she claims voters do not support. In a social media post, Patterson asserted, "Sacramento politicians are willing to spend $283 million in taxpayer cash on something voters don’t want instead of funding things voters desperately need, like Prop 36. Californians deserve better." The tweet also tagged the advocacy group @StopProp50.

Patterson's statement highlights a contentious debate over state budget priorities. While the specific $283 million project remains unnamed in her public remarks, her criticism underscores a broader conservative concern regarding government expenditure. As a prominent figure in California's Republican landscape, Patterson has consistently advocated for fiscal responsibility and policies aligning with voter sentiment.

The alternative funding target mentioned, Proposition 36, refers to a 2024 ballot measure approved by California voters. This proposition stiffens penalties for certain drug and theft crimes, reversing some aspects of the earlier Proposition 47, and introduces a "treatment-mandated felony" process for repeat drug offenders. Despite its voter approval, Proposition 36 faces implementation challenges, particularly concerning its funding. The Legislative Analyst’s Office estimates the measure will increase state criminal justice costs by tens to hundreds of millions annually, and local costs by tens of millions.

Lawmakers have proposed $110 million for Proposition 36's implementation, a figure Republicans, including Patterson, deem inadequate, pushing for closer to $400 million. Governor Gavin Newsom, who initially opposed the measure, has yet to fully commit to the funding required for its broad scope, leading to concerns from county officials about insufficient resources for behavioral health, court, and law enforcement needs. The @StopProp50 group, tagged in Patterson's tweet, is an advocacy organization that actively campaigned against California Proposition 50, which dealt with legislative suspension and forfeiture of pay for lawmakers.