California

California to release Ill Prisoners

Joshua Fimbres

In order to meet the 40 percent cut demanded in California’s prison healthcare system, officials are looking at allowing ill prisoners to be paroled. The state is currently liable for the health of prisoners while they're incarcerated, and those costs are driving up the prison budget. These prisoners pose no threat to the general population, and the sickest 1 percent cost California taxpayers $135 million every year. The prison system is under severe pressure from lawmakers to cut as many expenditures as possible. Instead of paying for all healthcare costs, the state would release the prisoners until they recover. It would constitute a medical parole. Although the state may have to pick up some of the cost of released prisoners, and there would be undeniable savings.

• State of California argues: Those ill prisoners pose no harm to population. Cost of caring for ill driving up costs. Not motivated by compassion, but by costs. Part of attempt to drive down prison costs to 7% of state budget (currently 11%)

Additional Readings

http://www.sacbee.com/2010/03/16/2611769/calif-prison-receiver-seeks-release.html