VP Harris Dodges Vote on California Crime Bill as State Faces Rising Theft and Drug Crisis

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Vice President Kamala Harris dodges a crucial vote on California’s Proposition 36, leaving voters in the dark about her stance on rising crime rates.

At a Glance

  • VP Harris refuses to disclose her vote on California’s Proposition 36, a measure aimed at increasing penalties for retail and drug crimes
  • Proposition 36 would make repeat shoplifting a felony and strengthen consequences for drug-related offenses
  • 73% of Californians support the measure, while Governor Newsom opposes it
  • Law enforcement leadership and San Francisco Mayor London Breed back the initiative
  • The measure aims to address rising theft and drug-related crimes across major California cities

Harris Sidesteps Crucial California Crime Vote

Vice President Kamala Harris has refused to disclose her vote on California’s Proposition 36, a ballot measure designed to tackle rising crime rates in the state. The proposition aims to increase penalties for retail theft and drug-related offenses, reflecting growing public concern over safety in major California cities.

Proposition 36 would make shoplifting a felony for repeat offenders and increase penalties for certain drug charges, including those involving fentanyl. The measure has garnered significant support from law enforcement agencies and a majority of California voters, despite opposition from some political leaders.

Public Support vs. Political Opposition

The California District Attorneys Association, California State Sheriffs’ Association, and the Republican Party of California have all voiced support for Proposition 36. Notably, Democratic San Francisco Mayor London Breed has broken ranks with her party to back the measure, highlighting the urgency of addressing crime in her city.

“I am not going to talk about the vote on that. Because honestly it’s the Sunday before the election and I don’t intend to create an endorsement one way or another around it.” – Kamala Harris

Despite Governor Gavin Newsom’s opposition, citing concerns about diverting funds from “what’s proven to actually keep us safe,” public support for Proposition 36 remains strong. A recent Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) poll indicates that 73% of respondents plan to vote in favor of the measure, underscoring a disconnect between political leadership and public sentiment on crime issues.

Rising Crime Rates Fuel Support for Tougher Penalties

Crime data reveals a significant increase in shoplifting incidents across the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles from 2021 to 2022. This surge in retail theft, coupled with the ongoing fentanyl crisis, has fueled public demand for stronger criminal justice measures.

“In total, Proposition 36 would increase local criminal justice costs, likely by tens of millions of dollars annually” – the adviser board

Proposition 36 would effectively roll back aspects of Proposition 47, which had previously downgraded certain felonies to misdemeanors in an effort to reduce prison overcrowding. The new measure aims to close legal loopholes that some argue have hampered law enforcement efforts to combat repeat offenders and dangerous drug dealers.

Implications for California’s Criminal Justice System

If passed, Proposition 36 is expected to significantly increase California’s criminal justice costs. The measure would expand jail time for those failing drug treatment programs, increase punishments for certain crimes, and introduce the possibility of murder charges for drug sellers whose products lead to fatal overdoses.

While supporters argue these changes are necessary to address the state’s crime crisis, opponents, including the Los Angeles Times, warn that the measure could lead to harsh sentencing for low-level crimes and potentially exacerbate issues within the criminal justice system.

Vice President Harris’s refusal to disclose her stance on this pivotal issue leaves many questioning the alignment between federal leadership and local concerns. The outcome of Proposition 36 could have far-reaching implications for California’s approach to crime and punishment in the years to come.

Sources:

  1. Harris won’t say how she voted on California measure that would reverse criminal justice reforms
  2. Harris avoids weighing in on California’s tough-on-crime measure Prop 36
  3. Harris Refuses To Say Whether She Voted On Tough-On-Crime California Ballot Measure

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