The high level of expenditures on prisons also takes away state resources from higher education, public transportation and other important state priorities. Unless state priorities change, many qualified students will not find space in California's UCs, CSUs and community colleges. This has serious consequences for Silicon Valley companies, and other businesses throughout the state, that rely on graduates from public universities and colleges to replenish their workforce.
Numerous studies show that education is one of the most effective ways to reduce recidivism.
The prison college programs, which were eliminated several years ago, where immensely successful in reforming inmates and making them productive members of society after parole. SB 1845 would dramatically strengthen education in state prisons by shifting control of education programs and budgets away from wardens and to an independent school board made up of educators. By signing SB 1845, you will be taking a leadership role on the issue of prison reform. By signing SB 1845, you will gain national admiration for controlling the growing state prison budget while at the same time enhancing public safety by reducing recidivism and supporting programs that reform inmates.