Mere months ago, voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 36 to reform sentencing laws and invest in drug treatment and rehabilitation. Photo courtesy of Assemblyman Tom Lackey Team

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – June 13, Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) condemned the Supermajority’s budget, calling it a “misleading accomplishment” that sacrifices public safety, and common sense in favor of political vanity projects.

“This budget is a betrayal,” said Assemblyman Tom Lackey. "Full stop. It pours billions into failed projects like the High-Speed Rail while ignoring the immediate needs of Californians. These jobs matter - but those workers could be put to better use on fire mitigation, road repairs, and real infrastructure that our communities actually need. But instead of responsible leadership, the Supermajority is too busy writing checks for dreams that died years ago.”

As Los Angeles rebuilds from the devastating wildfires, the budget recklessly commits $1 billion to the Governor’s High-Speed Rail, while only offering a meager $200 million for wildfire prevention - a fraction of what the state spent in prior years. As family homes and neighborhood businesses are left in ashes, the Supermajority chooses to bankroll a mismanaged rail fantasy.

This budget makes their priorities crystal clear - and voters’ priorities are not among them.

Mere months ago, voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 36 to reform sentencing laws and invest in drug treatment and rehabilitation. But while retail theft surges and fentanyl deaths rise, this budget fails to deliver on the core promise of Proposition 36. Instead of the $400 million needed to support treatment and courts, the budget offers a patchwork of just $110–200 million - barely half of what is required.

“This budget is a shameful dismissal of California’s needs,” said Lackey. “It’s time we stop chasing flashy headlines and start fixing the issues that actually matter - public safety, and fire protection. This budget is not a true accomplishment.”