California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced plans to reform the state’s incarceration system, starting with San Quentin State Prison.
Known as one of California’s most notorious prisons, San Quentin has long been home to the largest population of people on death row in the state.
However, Governor Newsom wants to transform the prison to focus on education and rehabilitation for the thousands of others serving time there.
He is calling for an advisory panel to be established and is asking the legislature for $20 million to create new education and rehab programs.
Newsom believes that changing the way the incarceration system works could lead to improved public safety and a reduction in crime and violence in the state.
However, Republicans in the legislature argue that the governor’s approach does not incorporate victims and that offenders should still face punitive outcomes for their crimes.
Despite this criticism, Newsom is determined to create a new model for the world at San Quentin and hold on to the momentum that has already been created through education programs on coding and media arts.
