California Governor Jerry Brown said he'll find additional space for thousands of inmates in an effort to comply with federal court orders to reduce prison overcrowding. Brown has long maintained the state has done enough to ease overcrowding. But after numerous judges ruled against the state, Brown is finally releasing a plan.
It involves transferring about 8,000 inmates to other facilities both inside and outside the state. Brown said his plan protects public safety and doesn't increase the pressure on local jails.
"This is the sensible, prudent way to proceed to comply with the court order, to involve both Republicans and Democrats and be in a position, at least from my judgment, to protect realignment, to make the state local relationship work in the best possible way," Brown said.
Brown said his plan will initially cost $315 million. He and his legislative supporters expect it to pass through the legislature before the session ends in mid-September.
