Death penalty on November ballot

Californians in November will have a chance to weigh in on the Death penalty, casting a vote that could make the state the 17th state to abolish capital punishment. But with a substantial opposition brewing, the battle will not be an easy one.

Proposition 34 — also known as the SAFE California Act, would replace the death penalty with life in prison without the possibility of parole. It would also require convicted inmates to work, with any money they earned going to a victim’s compensation fund.

Proponents say the law would save the state an estimated $100 million annually, which they say it costs to house inmates in mandatory single-cells and pay for round-the-clock guards.

“All of these costs are going to be immediately saved,” said 27th District Assembly Member Bill Monning, who said he supports the act. “I believe that this proposition has been crafted in a way that is comprehensive and the best thing for California and Californians.”

For the complete article see the 07-19-2012 issue.

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