Assemblyman Swanson- Says Need for Education Programs Critical for Inmates!

AB 216 ADDRESSES RE-ENTRY NEEDS OF FORMER

INMATES, SAVING STATE MILLIONS

Lawmakers Recognize Need for AB 216 after Recent U.S. Supreme Court Decision

(Sacramento, CA)—AB 216, a measure which will decrease California’s 70 percent recidivism
rate by increasing the educational opportunities available in state correctional facilities, passed
the Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support yesterday.

In light of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision requiring the Department of Corrections and

Rehabilitation to reduce the inmate population by 46,000, Assembly member Swanson

explained the significant need for education programs for inmates. “Education is a critical

component to rehabilitating inmates and ensuring their successful transition back into society.

AB 216 is part of a larger re-entry strategy that will address the Supreme Court mandate and the

safety of our communities by significantly reducing the likelihood that released inmates will

commit new crimes.”


“We currently spend over $49,000 a year housing each prisoner in state correctional facilities

and that cost does not include the incalculable damage done to our communities when those

former inmates commit new crimes. It is better for our state to invest money upfront on training

and educating inmates who will eventually be released into our communities, rather than have

them re-enter society without the tools necessary to keep them off the streets and out of prison,”

concluded Swanson.


Research is clear that education programs in correctional institutions are the best way to reduce

recidivism. AB 216 would create incentives for community colleges to offer courses in state

correctional facilities while removing provisions that restrict community colleges from offering

courses in state prisons.

AB 216 passed the Assembly with a 76 to 0 vote and now moves to the Senate.