Last Updated on November 7, 2014 by Paulette Brown-Hinds
People of faith encouraged support of redemptive social justice policies
PICO California issued the following statement in response to the historical passage of Proposition 47: “The passage of Proposition 47 by California voters provides a hopeful sign that we can reverse the trend of mass incarceration that is plaguing our nation,” states Corey Timpson, PICO California Director.
By passing proposition 47, California is the first state in the nation to end felony sentencing for a select group of non-serious and nonviolent crimes. In doing so, California will permanently reduce incarceration and shift over $100 million in the first year from state corrections to K-12 school programs, victim services, as well as mental health support and drug treatment.
PICO California, a statewide network of 19 local community organizations, worked in partnership with Californians for Safe Neighborhoods and Schools and California Calls to build a powerful grassroots civic engagement program focused on exercising the voting power of new and infrequent voters to end mass incarceration by passing Proposition 47.
PICO California groups across the state contacted more than 200,000 voters and identified and worked to turn out 104,000 Yes on 47 voters via statewide phone banking and local canvassing efforts. In all, PICO groups contributed more than 6,000 volunteer shifts and invested approximately 18,000 hours of time in this unprecedented grassroots campaign.
PICO California clergy from across the state have also weighed in on the historic passing Prop 47:
“Today, Californians expressed their voice with the humanization of all people being worthy of redemption. This victory of Proposition 47 begins our necessary journey of reforming our criminal justice system in a way that is fiscally responsible and represents our moral values. While there is more work to be done, we celebrate this important milestone,” said Rev. Ben McBride, Director City Team Ministries.
“With tonight’s victory, the fear mongering forces against proposition 47 have failed. It’s time they join fellow Californians and help us move justice forward. The truth prevailed tonight and we gladly welcome this victory because it has the potential to greatly improve the lives of currently and formerly incarcerated individuals,” said Imam Shakeel Syed is the Executive Director of the Islamic Shura Council.
African-American and Latino men and women are disproportionately caught in the web of incarceration and its aftermath. The passage of Prop 47 indicates that the majority of Californians also recognize racialized sentencing and prosecution disparities and instead wish to invest in programs and strategies that support individuals and enable them to stay connected to their families and support systems. As a faith based organization, PICO California believes prison reform is the only moral choice that is consistent with our values.
-PRESS RELEASE-