California recently passed Proposition 47. Proposition 47
made several criminal offenses that were at one time felonies into misdemeanors:
shoplifting, writing bad checks and drug possession (methamphetamine, cocaine,
heroin and hashish). They exclude people who have prior convictions for
crimes against people such as rape and pedophiles as well as amounts greater
than $950.
I am sure the arguments were heated between supporters for
both sides.
One side seeing people as having a disease they need help for and
realizing incarceration does little to help them, the other side fearing for
public safety if the offenders are not incarcerated. I personally see the
advantages far outweighing the disadvantages.
What are the advantages to Proposition 47? They are myriad.
For starters, the bill is supposed to save the state over $150,000,000. This
money will then go to various programs: 25% to prevention and support services
in K-12, 10% to trauma support for victims of crime and 65% to pay for
substance abuse treatment and mental health services to reduce recidivism
rates. Not only all of that, but offenders keep a felony off of their records
which gives them better access to employment, education and housing.
The disadvantages are allowing offenders to be in the
community instead of in prison, which is already overflowing in most states,
especially California. I know it is a major problem in Missouri. I am very
biased as both a convicted felon and a counselor who is working with the drug
court system here in Missouri. Imagine putting a lot of that money they are
saving back into treatment courts to assist people who struggle with addictions
and mental health issues to overcome them and reclaim their place in society.
I am glad this bill passed. I hope that they require
treatment for the misdemeanor recipients. I hope that people who get a second
or third chance because of this proposition do great things and sing the
praises of both long-term recovery and this proposition. The world needs to
hear more about the great things people are doing in recovery, so that they
will support bills like this one and okay more money being given to treatment
and early intervention programs as well as mental health services.
I am curious what you think about this Proposition passing.
Please let me know in the comments section!
No comments:
Post a Comment