California has banned forced labor, except for prisoners, for more than a century. Proposition 6 aims to remove that exception by eliminating forced labor in state prisons. Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson, who authored the legislation putting the measure on the ballot, believes that this change will allow prisoners to prioritize rehabilitation over work. Former prisoners and prison reform advocates argue that forced labor hinders rehabilitation by preventing individuals from accessing necessary programs and treatment.
Prisoners are currently assigned to various jobs based on availability, disregarding their preferences and needs. Despite recent changes by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, advocating for more flexible work schedules, former prisoners still face punishment for refusing to work, including solitary confinement. Proposition 6 would give incarcerated individuals more control over how they spend their time, allowing them to participate in programs that can help them reintegrate into society successfully upon release.
Proponents of the measure argue that most prisoners want to work or learn new skills, and that work provides a source of income, even at low pay rates. The proposition does not affect pay scales for prison work, but it does aim to increase access to education, skills training, and treatment opportunities for prisoners. Advocates for Proposition 6 stress the importance of rehabilitation over forced labor, emphasizing the need to support individuals in transforming their lives for the better. By voting “yes” on Proposition 6, Californians can ensure that prisoners have the resources needed to prepare for a successful return to society.
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