The Community Coalition, an organization that works to influence public policy and tackle the causes of crime, poverty and violence plaguing the South L.A. area, announced that the combined efforts of more than 55 clergy labor and community leaders throughout the state have resulted in the state legislature’s budget conference committee allocating more than $28 million in additional funding for Prop 47 programs, bringing the proposed budget for Prop 47 programming to $67.3 million. The state legislature is expected to approve the funding next week.
“I’d like to thank the coalition of comrades who have been fighting this effort,” said Karren Lane from Community Coalition. “Clearly legislators in Sacramento heard our message. There is still much work to be done to urge Governor Brown to fully fund Prop 47 and give our communities the resources they deserve.”
News of this increased budget allocation comes on the heels of successful lobbying efforts conducted by coalition leaders throughout the state, including more than a dozen delegation visits with Legislative leaders and a series of town halls. Additionally, this diverse coalition secured resolutions in support of increased Prop 47 funding from several municipalities including Los Angeles City Council, Los Angeles Board of Supervisors and the San Diego City Council.
“We felt tremendous momentum following several key meetings with Legislative offices including the Department of Finance, the Speaker’s Office and many Assembly and Senate officials. News of the budget allocation is a win for all of the leaders who campaigned up and down the state for these crucially needed reforms,” added Lane.
“California passed Prop 47 to repair the damage to thousands of families torn apart by repressive sentencing laws. It was the testimonies of those families that moved legislators to prioritize funding for prevention and treatment programs,” said Veronica Carrizales, policy and campaign development director of California Calls.
“The allocation is a courageous step in the right direction by the legislature, but the governor can still do more to ensure there is adequate resources to address the needs of California’s fragile population,” said Pastor Samuel Casey, executive director of Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement in San Bernardino.
Recognized as the leading voice for vulnerable, crime-infested neighborhoods in South Los Angeles, Community Coalition aims to help transform the social and economic conditions that foster addiction, crime, violence and poverty by building a community institution that involves thousands in creating, influencing and changing public policy. Learn more here: http://cocosouthla.org/
