Actions have consequences. In California, a state that has long been ruled by progressives, the consequences of their policies are starting to hit home. Crime rates are skyrocketing, with violent offenses up by 13.5 percent and property crimes up by 6.2 percent over 2019 levels. These rising crime rates have contributed to an exodus of residents, making California one of the top states for population loss. Yet, despite all this evidence, the progressive Democrats in Sacramento are still pushing to defund the prison system by a staggering $1 billion.
As the state races to pass a budget by June 15th, legislators are feeling the pressure to find a solution to the deficit. However, instead of making tough decisions and cutting spending where it’s needed, Democratic lawmakers are looking to slash the budget for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. They argue that the agency is bloated and that there are thousands of empty beds in prisons, a clear sign that the budget can be cut. But they fail to acknowledge that the empty beds are a result of their lenient policies that allow criminals to roam the streets rather than being locked up.
Governor Gavin Newsom, who has his sights set on a presidential bid in 2028, had proposed an $80.6 million cut to the prison budget. This is already a significant cut, considering the state’s current deficit. However, progressive legislators rejected this proposal and asked for a $1 billion cut instead. They believe they have the upper hand in negotiations and are not letting this crisis go to waste.
But let’s be clear about one thing: the growing budget is not the problem. The problem is the shrinking prison population. The Golden State is in disarray, with crime rates rising and the tax base declining. If Newsom wants a shot at the presidency, he needs to wake up and tackle the issue head-on. And it starts by locking up criminals who pose a threat to the safety and property of Californians.
Unfortunately, the priorities of Sacramento’s far left are not focused on public safety. Assemblymember Mia Bonta, a former chair of the Budget Subcommittee on Public Safety, wants to end what she calls the “prison industrial complex.” Where is the concern for the victims of these criminals? What about the individuals who have lost their sense of security in their own homes and communities?
The fact is, if California Democrats truly cared about people, they would take the necessary steps to reduce crime and protect their constituents. Slashing funds to correctional facilities is not the solution. It’s time for the state to face the reality of their situation and start prioritizing the safety and well-being of their citizens. But the politicians in Sacramento seem to be more concerned about appeasing their progressive base than actually making tough decisions for the betterment of their state.
The current budget negotiations in California are a clear indication of the state’s downward spiral. While it’s understandable that tough decisions need to be made to address the deficit, cutting funds to the prison system is not the answer. The state must acknowledge its quality of life problems and take meaningful action to solve them, starting with holding criminals accountable and ensuring that public safety is a top priority. It’s time for California Democrats to put the well-being of their constituents first, rather than catering to their own political aspirations.