California voters have consistently shown strong support for prioritizing the rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals over punishing them with forced labor. This support has been expressed at the ballot box and in opinion polls. Proposition 6, on this November’s ballot, aims to eliminate forced labor and provide greater access to rehabilitative programs.
It’s crucial to remember that the vast majority of individuals who are incarcerated will eventually be released and reintegrate into society. In California, approximately 35,000 people are released from state prison each year. Therefore, the focus during their time in prison should be on preparing them to successfully rejoin society and build productive lives that reduce the likelihood of reoffending. This is a key aspect of Proposition 6.
Research has proven that access to rehabilitative programs and visitation with family is essential for reducing recidivism and supporting successful re-entry. For example, incarcerated individuals who received visits from family were 13% less likely to reoffend than those who did not receive any visits. Proposition 6 will break down barriers to visitation, allowing more individuals to connect with their families, a proven method for reducing the likelihood of reoffending.
Moreover, studies have shown that cognitive-behavioral programs incorporating skills practice can decrease future criminal activity by up to 26%. Proposition 6 aims to provide more incarcerated individuals with access to these evidence-based programs, potentially resulting in substantial decreases in repeat offenses and improved outcomes for both individuals and communities.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has reported that individuals who took part in rehabilitative programs and earned credits had lower rates of reoffending compared to those who did not participate. Specifically, individuals with Educational Merit Credits had a recidivism rate of 26.1%, while those with Rehabilitative Achievement Credits reoffended at a rate of only 21.1%. These findings emphasize the significant impact that rehabilitative programming can have in reducing reoffending and supporting successful reintegration. Proposition 6 aims to address current challenges and ensure that more individuals have the opportunity to take part in these life-changing programs.
Proposition 6 offers a practical solution to breaking the cycle of reoffending. By reducing recidivism rates, taxpayers will benefit from substantial cost savings. With the current cost of housing individuals in prison at around $134,000 per person annually, in contrast, rehabilitative programs cost a fraction of that amount. It’s clear that investing in rehabilitative programs is the smart choice and aligns with Proposition 6’s goal of rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society.
Proposition 6’s objective is to make work in prison voluntary, not to eliminate it.
With the increased flexibility provided by Proposition 6, incarcerated individuals can choose to participate in programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous, anger management, parenting classes, GED or college education, and expanded job training. Currently, mandatory work schedules can prevent individuals from participating in these rehabilitative programs. If they refuse to work, they may face penalties such as solitary confinement, denial of good time credits, etc.
If Prop 6 is rejected, California will stand in the minority of states that still allow forced labor, known as involuntary servitude – a practice rooted in slavery that dates back centuries. Even conservative states like Alabama, Tennessee, Nebraska, Utah, and Colorado have recently stepped up to eliminate this practice.
Related Articles
Alex Villanueva: Measure A will raise the cost of living in LA, while rewarding incompetence and graft
Proposition 36 won’t make us safer, but it will put funding for trauma recovery centers at risk
California families need a break at the pump, let’s suspend the gas tax today
Newsom’s anti-satire law tries to kill the joke — and the First Amendment
Hurricanes and other natural disasters aren’t going away. We must double down on what makes them more survivable.
Their rationale includes not only cost savings and higher rehabilitative success rates but also the desire to stand on the right side of history and make a statement about the values we hold dear. This is a powerful statement about affording human dignity and providing hope for a second chance to those serving time.
The positive aspirations of Proposition 6 drove lawmakers from both parties in the state Legislature to place it on the ballot, which reflects why Proposition 6 has no official opposition listed in the state’s official California Voter Guide. We strongly urge you to vote “YES” on Proposition 6.
Proposition 6 empowers incarcerated individuals to utilize their time effectively. It allows them the opportunity to engage in voluntary work programs, educational initiatives, and rehabilitative services—critical steps toward reducing recidivism and ensuring that individuals can successfully reintegrate into society. This measure on the November ballot proposes to change the state constitution to ban the practice of forced labor in jails and prisons.
Vote YES on Proposition 6.
Lori D. Wilson represents the 11th District in the California Assembly. Marie Waldron represents California’s 75th District.