Spring Break
Proposition 5: Nonviolent drug offenses
Ya-an Chan
Issue date: 10/30/08 Section: Voter's Guide
Proposition 5, if passed, would allocate the state government to spend $460 million annually to improve treatment programs for people convicted of drug and other offenses, and create a 19 member board to direct parole and rehabilitation policy. Parole for serious and violent felonies will be increased, and sentences for certain drug offenses will be shortened. As part of the effort to limit court authority to imprison offenders who commit certain drug crimes, break drug treatment rules or violate parole, the proposition suggests dividing Department of Correction and Rehabilitation authority between two officials: one with a fixed six-year term and one appointed by the governor.
Kevin Spillane, media spokesperson of "People Against Proposition 5"
"Career criminals who commit child abuse, hate crimes, domestic violence, identity theft, auto theft, burglary, arson and a long list of other crimes could escape prosecution if they claim to use drugs. Proposition 5 will cost a billion dollars a year for a state that is already in a severe budget crisis and that means existing programs such as higher education will see cuts as a result if it passes."
Margaret Dooley-Sammuli, deputy campaign manager of "Yes on Prop 5"
"Prop. 5 will expand drug treatment for youth and nonviolent offenders, reducing addiction-motivated crime and incarceration costs. Without Prop. 5, spending on treatment will continue to shrink. It is better for public safety than the governor's own plan, since Prop. 5 includes no early releases. Prop. 5 may be California's last chance to reform the broken prison system."
Kevin Spillane, media spokesperson of "People Against Proposition 5"
"Career criminals who commit child abuse, hate crimes, domestic violence, identity theft, auto theft, burglary, arson and a long list of other crimes could escape prosecution if they claim to use drugs. Proposition 5 will cost a billion dollars a year for a state that is already in a severe budget crisis and that means existing programs such as higher education will see cuts as a result if it passes."
Margaret Dooley-Sammuli, deputy campaign manager of "Yes on Prop 5"
"Prop. 5 will expand drug treatment for youth and nonviolent offenders, reducing addiction-motivated crime and incarceration costs. Without Prop. 5, spending on treatment will continue to shrink. It is better for public safety than the governor's own plan, since Prop. 5 includes no early releases. Prop. 5 may be California's last chance to reform the broken prison system."
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