THIS IS BIG!

Facing a now estimated $73 billion budget shortfall, the state’s own Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) recommends California close 5 more state prisons. We need @cagovernor to close the budget gap by closing more prisons NOT by cutting funds from essential services that actually keep us safe.

Read CURB’s full response: bit.ly/5morepr - from the press release:

This recommendation arrives at a crucial moment for California as it faces a budget crisis significantly worse than previously estimated. Initial projections by Gov. Gavin Newsom forecasted a $38 billion shortfall, but the LAO’s thorough analysis now warns of a potential deficit spiraling to a staggering $73 billion.

Despite the clear financial incentives for prison closures, Gov. Newsom has yet to commit to this path. His focus remains on “transforming” San Quentin into a rehabilitation center, a project accompanied by a hefty $360 million price tag. Last month, Newsom’s own Advisory Council for the San Quentin project recommended cutting the building cost by $120 million.

Since 2020, the criminal justice reform coalition Californians United for a Responsible Budget has maintained that declining prison populations would allow for the closure of at least 10 state prisons. To date, three state prisons, along with a leased facility and multiple yards, have been slated for closure. The LAO’s recent endorsement for shutting down at least five additional state prisons marks a significant alignment with CURB’s initial projections.

#CloseCAPrisons