Sacramento, CA – The California Fuels & Convenience Alliance (CFCA), representing hundreds of fueling stations and convenience stores across the state, strongly denounces Governor Gavin Newsom’s refusal to fund Proposition 36 (2024). The measure was overwhelmingly passed by voters who demanded stronger protections against theft, organized retail crime, and violent store takeovers.

Governor Newsom has previously acknowledged that retail theft and organized crime pose a serious threat to small businesses and communities, emphasizing the need for effective solutions and accountability. Today, however, he is refusing to fund Prop 36, a voter-approved measure that directly addresses organized retail theft, the very problem he has recognized as urgent.

In a recent statement, Governor Newsom indicated that funding for the measure would not come from his office, instead suggesting local leaders take responsibility: “There were a lot of supervisors in the counties that promoted it,” the governor asserted. “So this is their opportunity to step up. Fund it.” This is a blatant refusal from Governor Newsom to honor the will of California voters, leaving small businesses and frontline workers to bear the burden of a crisis they did not create.

“Governor Newsom’s decision to ignore Proposition 36 is nothing short of a betrayal,” said Elizabeth Graham, CEO of CFCA. “Our members are on the frontlines of dangerous incidents every single day. They are robbed, assaulted, and forced to watch as organized crime threatens their employees and communities. Voters said clearly that they wanted accountability, and instead, their will has been dismissed.”

Convenience stores and fueling stations have borne a disproportionate share of California’s retail crime crisis. In recent years, CFCA members have reported a surge in violent encounters, costly thefts, and terrifying store takeovers that put workers and customers directly in harm’s way.

“Californians told their leaders: enough is enough,” Graham continued. “By refusing to fund Prop 36, Governor Newsom and the Legislature have delivered a slap in the face to their constituents. Small business owners and employees cannot be asked to shoulder the costs of crime while the state looks the other way.”

CFCA is calling on Governor Newsom and legislative leaders to immediately honor the will of California voters by dedicating the resources needed to implement Proposition 36 and protect frontline workers.