1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Despite declining prison populations and fewer occupied prison beds, corrections spending has steadily increased over the last decade. Closing 5 prisons can save over $1.5 billion annually that can and must be shifted to vital services our communities need. Much better to spend the money SUPPORTING critical social, health, education, affordable housing and environmental programs. The current budget proposals must be about investing in communities and people. Don’t cut these programs cut the carceral budget. Retrain and rehabilitate both prisoners and correctional officers!!