Today Governor Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Jerry Brown announced they are calling on a federal court to put an end to the prison receivership (held by J. Clark Kelso) and his excessive $8 billion prison construction plan.
As an intervener in the court action regarding California’s prison system, I have steadfastly opposed the prison receiver’s demand for $8 billion. California taxpayers do not owe prisoners a gold plated health care system, especially when some law-abiding citizens struggle with their own health care needs.
So obviously I am pleased that the governor and attorney general agree with our position and I welcome their support and involvement. They pointed out the many reasons why the prison receiver’s plan is wrong for California, including questions of constitutionality.
If the three-judge panel does not agree with Republicans, the governor and the attorney general, I believe the issue should be brought before the U.S. Supreme court –and hopefully put to rest, once and for all.