Senator Cortese Champions Bipartisan ‘Working Together for a Safer California’ Plan Addressing Fentanyl, Retail and Community-based Crime

Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) released the following statement on the Working Together for a Safer California plan, a data-driven, bipartisan Senate policy package addressing fentanyl and retail theft. A list of bills and more information is available here.

“The dual crises of retail theft and fentanyl have instilled fear and devastated lives across the state. Every Californian deserves protection from violence, and the 'Working Together for a Safer California' plan offers a rehabilitative and holistic framework to dismantle networks of crime. Additionally, our residents deserve access to resources and tools to combat fentanyl. This evidence-based bill package will fight fentanyl abuse by preventing and treating addiction. My deep concern for these issues motivated me last year to author SB 10, Melanie’s Law, last year, which will stop youth fentanyl overdoses in schools, as well as SB 553 to prevent workplace violence. Today, I joined Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire and my Senate colleagues from both parties to introduce a comprehensive legislative strategy that prioritizes prevention, treatment, and strong support for our law enforcement agencies. The urgency of this plan cannot be overstated. Californians are demanding action, and the State Senate is responding to the call. The 'Working Together for a Safer California' legislative package is set to urgently reverse the trends in retail theft and fentanyl overdoses and deaths, paving the way for a safer California for our residents and future generations."

Senator Dave Cortese represents Senate District 15, which encompasses San Jose and much of Santa Clara County in the heart of Silicon Valley. Visit Senator Cortese’s website: https://sd15.senate.ca.gov

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