Thursday, November 12, 2015

$500M Jail Construction Plans Approved by State Board

A state board has voted to approve a half billion dollars worth of jail construction projects around the state. Supporters say the jail construction will improve mental health, substance abuse, and other programs in jails. Opponents say funding should go to community treatment programs that help keep people out of jail, instead of building up the jail system. A proposal from Los Angeles County was rejected, but the board approved an $80 million dollar jail plan from San Francisco, as well as proposals from Alameda County, Santa Clara County, Ventura County, and 11 other counties. Christopher Martinez reports from Sacramento.