FRESNO, CA (KMJ) In an exclusive interview Tuesday with KMJ’s Broeske & Musson, Fresno County District Attorney addressed the move by Gov. Newsom and Democrat lawmakers to put a so-called ‘poison pill’ into legislation that would effectively nullify a ballot initiative which is meant to fix Prop 47.
“Democrats have reached a new low with their dishonesty and deception on these efforts to improve public safety,” said Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City). “Californians are fed up with Democrats’ pro-criminal policies turning our streets into a war zone. Not a single person believes Democrats are serious about fighting retail theft – they’re just serious about dodging responsibility for it.”
Homelessness has shot up nearly 60% from 2014 to 2023, and out of control retail theft continues to damage small businesses and drive up costs for consumers.
“This is a prime example of California Democrats’ corrupt, closed-door politics at its worst,” said Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego). “Jamming poison pill amendments into bipartisan measures is not just pure political gamesmanship, it’s cynical and it’s anti-democracy. Democrats are too prideful to admit their mistake with Prop 47 and are now trying to manipulate voters into a false choice. There is no reason why we can’t have both a pragmatic series of bills and voter-led reforms to tackle crime.”
“Despite being labeled as ‘the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act,’ Proposition 47 has failed to protect our communities and businesses,” said Senator Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks). “It is crucial that we fix the public safety problems by holding criminals accountable and making our communities safer. The Democratic leadership is trying to confuse the public about this important ballot initiative that would result in stronger penalties for drug- and theft-related crimes. Californians deserve a fair and honest path to reform, not political deception that endangers our communities.”
