Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is thanking lawmakers for their approval Thursday of a bill that's aimed at easing state prison overcrowding. He says the $7 billion-plus agreement will add more than 50,000 beds and is a giant step forward for public safety.
Schwarzenegger : We will add beds that are very important but at the same time we will add programs, rehabilitation programs, education, drug and mental health treatment.
The bill would fund construction in two phases -- the first would add 24,000 beds. Some would be at existing prisons and some would be for medical use. Others would be in communities for inmates who will eventually be paroled there.
The plan will be funded largely with bonds that are not required to be approved by voters. Critics say it does nothing to address the state's parole or sentencing systems which are largely responsible for the overcrowding crisis.
