Do you agree with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s idea to trim the
state’s prison population by 37,000 inmates over the next two
years, saving taxpayers $1.2 billion?
THIS WEEK’S QUESTION:
“Do you agree with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s idea to trim the state’s prison population by 37,000 inmates over the next two years, saving taxpayers $1.2 billion?” Yes: 9 No: 0
? Karen Anderson: “Yes, but the first thing the governor needs to do is get the Immigration and Naturalization Service to remove the illegal aliens. The federal government is letting us down.”
? Chris Bryant: “This is a step that must be taken due to federal requirements and state budget issues so it isn’t a matter of agreeing with it or not, the details of how he does this is the real concern.”
? David Cohen: “Yes, but the early release of convicts bothers me. While there is certainly a need to save money, it is important that those being released have counseling before leaving prison and have someplace to go so that they do not get into trouble again.”
? Julian Mancias: “Yes. Although with reservations. The public safety is at stake but with the financial crises which we are currently in we have few options.”
? Henry Miller: “Releasing non-violent offenders and using GPS units to track them sounds good, but … too many of these great ‘cost savings ideas’ end up costing us a bunch. So, if we buy into this program, perhaps caveat emptor is the appropriate warning.
? Lisa Pampuch: “Yes, but it’s only half of the solution. The state needs to reduce services, which this does, but it also needs to reduce the cost of services. California’s paid-best-in-the-nation prison guards need to make serious wage, benefit, and pension concessions.”
? John Quick: “It is a good beginning. California has gotten out of control with locking people up for nonviolent crimes and the taxpayers, who were stupid enough to vote for determinant sentencing, are paying the ridiculous price. This is the third strike for taxpayers.”
? Emily Shem-Tov: “Yes, it works towards solving a number of serious issues facing the state at the same time, but has to be enacted carefully and be monitored. There is certainly a lot of room for improvement in the current system and reforms need to be made, not just for cost saving reasons.
? Steve Staloch: “Yes, but it’s not clear where the money will come from to support the rehab centers, infirmaries, and other facilities responsible for housing eligible inmates after they are released. However, it’s not an early release program for criminals who have committed violent or sexual offenses as some opponents contend.”
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