For immediate release – November 12, 2015
Press Contact:
Lizzie Buchen, Californians United for a Responsible Budget
lizzie@curbprisonspending.org, 510-435-1176
Twitter: @curbprisons #NoMoreJails #Prop47HealDontHurt #AllJailsAreFails
Sacramento, CA — This morning, community members who have been fighting jail expansion across California will present state officials with their recommendations of formerly incarcerated leaders to guide the reinvestment of Proposition 47 funds. At the same meeting, the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) is set to vote on approving a half billion dollars to build new jails in 15 counties.
“Californians didn’t vote for Prop 47 so that we could reduce prison populations just to begin building new jails,” said Kim Carter, Executive Director of Time for Change Foundation and member of the community slate. “The BSCC should take the money they want to spend on jails and build some affordable housing. Reducing recidivism and increasing public safety means people need access to housing and jobs, not jail beds.”
At this morning’s meeting, the BSCC will begin forming the committee charged with distributing Prop 47 funds, which are earmarked for mental health treatment, substance use treatment, and diversion programs. To ensure the funds are reinvested in a way that strengthens communities, community members are nominating a 14-member slate of committee members, composed entirely of formerly incarcerated leaders from across California who are experts in substance use treatment, reentry programming, housing, and mental health treatment.
“The resources need to be made accessible to those communities most impacted by mass incarceration,” says Jerry Elster, Healing Justice Coordinator at American Friends Service Committee and a member of the community slate. “Only our community-based organizations can provide the self-sufficiency we need, and that’s where the Prop 47 funds should be directed.”