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California Approves Tough-on-Crime Initiative – Newsweek
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California Approves Tough-on-Crime Initiative – Newsweek

In a move away from progressive policies and toward law enforcement, California voted to reclassify certain nonviolent crimes, including shoplifting, as felonies again.

Voters faced decisions on 10 key ballot measures, including another that proposes raising the state’s minimum wage to the highest in the nation.

Here are some of the key measures voters were asked to consider:

Proposition 36 makes repeat theft a misdemeanor

In response to concerns about rising retail crime, California voters approved a measure to reclassify shoplifting as a felony for repeat offenders and impose tougher penalties for certain drug-related crimes, including those involving fentanyl. This new measure also empowers judges to order treatment for people facing multiple drug charges.

The measure represents a partial repeal of a 2014 progressive law which reclassified several nonviolent crimes, including theft under $950 and certain drug charges, as felonies.

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Marsha Molinari of West Hollywood, Calif., holds a cell phone at a polling place at the Connie Norman Transgender Empowerment Center on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in West Hollywood, Calif. California voters faced decisions…


Chris Pizzello/AP

Supporters say the initiative is essential to closing legal loopholes that have hindered law enforcement’s ability to effectively prosecute thieves and drug dealers. They believe the measure will strengthen the state’s response to homelessness and drug crises, allowing for more decisive action against repeat offenders and drug-related crimes.

“It’s been clear to us over the last year that this is desperately needed for Californians,” said Anne Marie Schubert, co-chair of the coalition supporting the measure. “This is a resounding message that Californians are ready for safer communities.”

Opponents, including Democratic state leaders and social justice advocates, say the initiative will disproportionately incarcerate low-income people and those struggling with substance use instead of targeting organized ringleaders who recruit groups to steal goods for resale online.

“Voters wanted solutions, but they were sold a false promise,” said Tinisch Hollins, executive director of Californians for Safety and Justice, which co-authored the 2014 law. hundreds of millions of dollars to stabilize these programs, we’re going to be a lot worse off than we were before.”

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Neighbors and business owners join to support California’s Proposition 36 on the November ballot at a news conference in the Venice neighborhood of Los Angeles, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. The measure is a…


Damian Dovarganes/AP

Proposition 32 is meant to raise the minimum wage

California voters are considering a measure to raise the state’s minimum wage to $18 an hour by 2026, up from the current $16 an hour for most workers. As of Tuesday night, the outcome remains undecided.

In particular, fast-food workers received a wage increase this year to at least $20 an hour, and some health care workers now earn as little as $23 an hour.

If passed, California’s Proposition 32 would raise the state’s minimum wage to $18 an hour by 2026, making it the highest statewide minimum wage in the United States. In 2016, California became the first state to adopt a $15 an hour minimum wage. Currently, about 40 cities and counties in the state have set minimum wages above the statewide rate, with six jurisdictions requiring minimums that exceed $18 an hour as of this year.

Supporters of California’s minimum wage measure estimate it would directly benefit about two million workers, including those in the hotel and food industries, by raising wages. But opponents say the increase could raise costs, lead to higher taxes and force companies to cut jobs to handle the extra spending.

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Lawrence Cheng, left, whose family owns seven Wendy’s locations south of Los Angeles, works with part-time employee Adriana Ruiz at his Wendy’s restaurant in Fountain Valley, California, June 20, 2024. California voters are considering a…


Jae C. Hong/AP

Proposition 4 would unlock $10 billion for climate projects

The measure seeks voter approval to borrow $10 billion for a range of climate change initiatives, marking the state’s most significant investment in climate action to date.

The largest portion, $3.8 billion, is earmarked for upgrading drinking water systems and preparing for drought and floods. In addition, $1.5 billion is designated for wildfire preparedness, and $1.2 billion is intended to address the challenges of sea level rise.

Supporters say the measure is essential to help California adapt to a changing climate by addressing increasing threats, including wildfires, water pollution and extreme heat.

Opponents, however, argue that using bonds is the “most expensive way” to finance these programs, which could instead be covered by the state budget.

Paying off the bond would cost taxpayers about $16 billion, with annual payments of $400 million.

Proposition 6 could ban forced labor, including its use as punishment for crimes

This proposed amendment would revise the California Constitution to prohibit forced labor in all forms, removing the current exception that allows it as punishment for a crime.

As of Tuesday night, the outcome remained undecided, although neighboring Nevada has approved a similar measure. Criminal justice advocates have focused on the exemption, raising concerns about working conditions at the prison, where incarcerated people are often paid less than $1 an hour for tasks including putting out fires, cleaning cells and tending the cemetery.

This initiative is part of a larger reparations effort by California lawmakers aimed at addressing historical racism and discrimination against Californians of color. Similar constitutional amendments have been passed in recent years in states such as Alabama, Oregon, Tennessee and Vermont, eliminating exceptions that allowed slavery or involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime.

This article includes reporting from the Associated Press