LOS ANGELES – A powerful coalition of labor leaders, elected officials, and formerly incarcerated individuals came together to urge Californians to vote Yes on Proposition 6 – a groundbreaking initiative that seeks to end forced labor in California’s carceral system, expand rehabilitation opportunities for incarcerated individuals, and save taxpayer money.
“Prop 6 ensures they have the flexibility to attend GED classes, vocational training, and substance abuse counseling. The ultimate goal is to equip incarcerated individuals with the tools they need to succeed upon release, preventing homelessness and repeat offenses,” said Los Angeles County Federation of Labor President, Yvonne Wheeler.
The “Yes on Proposition 6” coalition wants to raise public awareness and educate voters on the critical need to shift from the current system of forced labor in prisons to one that prioritizes rehabilitation. The proposition encourages incarcerated people to participate in essential programs, such as education, vocational training, and counseling, which have proven effective in reducing recidivism.
“Proposition 6 is a critical measure that aims to end modern-day slavery in carceral settings by allowing incarcerated individuals to focus on rehabilitation through education, counseling, and other programs. Evidence shows that participation in these programs not only helps individuals reintegrate into society but also saves taxpayer money,” said Senator Steven Bradford, District 35.
Currently, California spends $134,000 annually to incarcerate one person.
“Successful re-entry into society must be a priority for our prison system. By focusing on voluntary work programs and skill development and rehabilitative programming, we not only reduce recidivism but also give incarcerated individuals the tools they need to become productive, law-abiding members of their communities. When we invest in rehabilitation, we invest in safer, stronger communities for all Californians,” added Senator Maria Elena Durazo, District 26.
According to formerly incarcerated Gloria Cabrera, forced labor in prison prevented her from accessing crucial rehabilitative programs, such as GED and college courses, substance abuse disorder recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and vocational training programs.
“I began drinking as a preteen at age 11, left my home at 15 years, and landed in jail by the time I was 19 years old. I didn’t know anything about the system and was released, but soon after, I landed in jail again,” said Gloria who is currently working as a paralegal at a Law Firm, received her GED with honors, and is currently in college.
“By the second time I landed in jail at 21 years-old, my attorney pointed out to me the need to register in a substance abuse recovery rehabilitation program to avoid a life of incarceration. Unfortunately, forced labor left little room for me to participate in substance-abuse treatment programs that could have been instrumental in my recovery. These programs, often scheduled during work hours, were inaccessible to me, despite my desire to break free from the cycle of addiction and self-destruction. It took me years to finally engage in these recovery programs. If it weren’t for my attorney who pointed out to me that the root of my problems with the law were not my crimes but my substance abuse, I would’ve been caught in the jail system indefinitely.”
Proposition 6 also emphasizes the importance of allowing incarcerated individuals to work in jobs that enable them to access rehabilitative programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and substance programs. By providing incarcerated people with autonomy over their work schedules.
Forced labor in California’s prisons often prevents individuals from accessing the rehabilitative programs that are essential for personal growth and successful re-entry into society. Proposition 6 prioritizes rehabilitation by allowing incarcerated individuals to choose voluntary work programs that accommodate their participation in educational programs like GED and college courses, vocational training, and counseling services like AA and NA.