Transformative programming in California's prisons took center stage during the recent Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 5 meeting, with advocates urging lawmakers to prioritize funding for community-based rehabilitative programs. Norhan Abulail emphasized the critical need for these initiatives, stating, "95 percent of people in prison will eventually come out. We want to make sure they come out with the right tools and skills to be successful in their reentry."

Abulail highlighted that participation in these programs significantly reduces recidivism rates, with those involved experiencing rates that are half of the average. "These programs really change lives," he asserted, linking them directly to enhanced public safety and reduced state spending.

Ken Hartman, another advocate with extensive experience in the prison system, echoed these sentiments. He argued that rehabilitative programs are essential for transforming lives and improving safety within prisons. "We do not need correctional officers to supervise rehabilitation, but we do need to invest in more rehabilitative programs," he stated, reinforcing the idea that such investments benefit both incarcerated individuals and correctional staff.

The discussions underscored a growing recognition among lawmakers of the importance of funding for rehabilitation as a means to foster safer communities and reduce long-term costs associated with incarceration. As the subcommittee continues its deliberations, the push for transformative programming remains a pivotal topic in California's approach to corrections and public safety.