The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 today to examine the fiscal impacts that Proposition 36 would have, if passed, on key mental health and addiction treatment services, including those for K-12 students, in San Diego County.  

Chairwoman Nora Vargas introduced a substitute motion to study the effects of Proposition 36 before considering whether or not San Diego County should take a formal position on the ballot measure, because the measure will defund the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Fund, which currently delivers $95 million annually for mental health and addiction treatment, K-12 programs, and trauma recovery for victims.

Supervisors Monica Montgomery-Steppe, Lawson-Remer, and Nora Vargas voiced concerns that the projected increased costs from Prop 36 will completely eliminate the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Fund.  Data shows that programs funded by the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Fund have led to a 60% reduction in homelessness, a 50% reduction in unemployment, and significant reductions in recidivism rates.

After the substitute motion passed during the meeting, Supervisor Lawson-Remer said: “I’m fighting every day to tackle homelessness, protect our neighborhoods from crime and gun violence, and keep our streets clean and safe.  Stealing is wrong, which is why I supported the crime-fighting bills that Governor Newsom just signed into law.  We need to pursue the most effective programs to protect public safety, and it’s concerning that Proposition 36 could  defund key behavioral health treatment, K-12 programs, and  trauma recovery for those we serve. I look forward to learning the results of the analysis we requested, and making an informed decision about Proposition 36 then.”  

The substitute motion as introduced by the Chairwoman and passed 3-2 was as follows: 

“Direct the CAO to work with relevant groups and departments to provide a through analysis of how the changes to Proposition 47 through the potential passage of Proposition 36 may impact funding for county services, with a specific focus on behavioral health services, housing and development services, and homelessness-related programs, and return to the board on October 8 with a multiple-scenario analysis so the board can consider taking a position on Proposition 36.”

To read the original policy presented by Republican Supervisors Joel Anderson and Jim Desmond, in partnership with District Attorney Summer Stephan, click here.