ACTION ALERT - No More Cash for Cages; No on AB 695
AB 695 would direct one billion dollars to cosmetic juvenile facility upgrades
It's most often the case that when we call for the action of our supporters on this page, we do so to advocate FOR a piece of legislation, or FOR the cause of a person/organization whose values of a fairer and more just criminal justice system we share.
This call to action is a little different, yet very much aligns with our shared goals and values.
AB 965 would direct one billion dollars to Los Angeles County Probation in order to fund restoration projects in Los Angeles juvenile halls and camps.
Yes, you read correctly.
In light of recent policy that saw the California closing it's last state youth correctional facility in June, why should California tax payers throw money BACK into cosmetic facility upgrades? California is facing a budget deficit. Sinking $1 billion into Los Angeles County's failed juvenile halls is wasteful and irresponsible.
In light of documented reports of physical, emotional, & sexual abuse of kids inside Los Angeles County juvenile halls & camps, why should California tax payers fund prettier cages in those halls and camps? The walls of these facilities did not abuse kids for decades. It was probation officers in a department that remains rooted in a culture of abuse and punishment.
Seems absurd, right? It is. Advocates of this bill are hoping you don't know anything about it.
Now you do.
Felony Murder Elimination Project strongly opposes AB 695, a bill that would sink taxpayer money into a dysfunctional system that is already receiving excessive funding from Los Angeles County and the State of California. You can read our opposition letter here.
You can take action by posting your opposition to AB 695 using this social media toolkit. You can also submit a letter of opposition on behalf of your organization, using this template.
California has taken recent strides to reform its approach to juvenile offenders to a more rehabilitation-focused model. We need to keep moving forward in that direction; this proposed legislation only serves to drag us backward.
