SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – Jan. 10, Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick (R-Modoc) released the following statement in response to Governor Newsom’s budget proposal, calling for additional resources to protect public safety by preventing wildfires and implementing Proposition 36:

“In light of the devastating scenes from the ongoing wildfire disaster in Los Angeles, it is disappointing that Governor Newsom maintained reductions in funding for fire prevention programs we desperately need to protect our vulnerable communities.

“The Governor must prioritize wildfire prevention efforts instead of solely focusing on responding after disasters occur. By spending millions more for fire prevention now, billions of dollars of future damages can be avoided. Continually choosing to ignore this reality in the budget shortchanges our residents.  

“Voters were loud and clear last November — they are tired of the drug-fueled crime and homelessness. There is no additional funding for mental health service programs, which are urgently needed. If jails and treatment programs can’t meet demand, it undermines the intent of Proposition 36 and fails to address the root causes of criminal behavior. Communities want resources for people willing to accept help and accountability for those who refuse. This budget contains neither. Californians deserve better.”

Assemblywoman Hadwick represents the 1st Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes portions of El Dorado and Placer counties, along with Alpine, Amador, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, and Siskiyou counties.