Restore Money for Drug Treatment

Gov. Schwarzenegger and the Legislature have "infrastructure" at the top of Sacramento's agenda this year. Thus far, most of the talk centered on the need to maintain and fortify physical structures, such as roads and levees.

But infrastructure also should include the development of institutions and the maximization of human capital. On both fronts, Prop. 36 operates as a successful exercise in public infrastructure -- providing community-based drug treatment instead of incarceration for nonviolent drug possessors.

This year the law requires funding from the political process, and policymakers should be mindful of the commitment voters made six years ago. They should also be aware of the law's remarkable impact on the lives of Californians.

Prop. 36's record of success since its passage in 2000 is clear: More than 140,000 people have been diverted to treatment, and the number of licensed treatment facilities has increased 66 percent. A total of 6,300 fewer people are serving time in prison on drug-possession charges.

For taxpayers, this reduction in the state prison population alone is a modest triumph. One year in prison now exceeds $34,000. Outpatient treatment typically costs less than one-tenth of that amount.

Treatment is working, and recovery is happening. About two dozen of those in recovery testified recently before a Senate budget committee. All were grateful that Prop. 36 provided them with the opportunity to become productive citizens.

Prop. 36's record of success must be built upon, not dismantled. Schwarzenegger and the Legislature should fund it at a level that meets the needs of participants.

Thus far, the $120 million called for in the governor's January budget represents a substantial cut in funding. The Coalition of Alcohol and Drug Associations places Prop. 36's unmet needs at roughly $209 million.

Some say that putting offenders in jail will improve treatment outcomes. The hard reality: Incarceration places an individual at substantial risk of physical and sexual assault, communicable diseases, suicide and -- ironically -- drug use and drug overdose.

The choice for the governor and the Legislature is clear: Continue the positive momentum or ignore the record and the voters for the sake of politics as usual.

Nikos A. Leverenz is director of the California Capital Office of the Drug Policy Alliance, which maintains www.Prop36.org.