SACRAMENTO /California Newswire/ — According to a news release issued today, Speaker Karen Bass (D- Baldwin Hills) has named the following members to the Assembly Select Committee on Re-Entry chaired by Assistant Speaker pro Tempore Isadore Hall, III (D- Compton): Assemblymembers Tom Ammiano, Marty Block, Steve Bradford, Nathan Fletcher, Felipe Fuentes, Warren Furutani, Dave Jones, Jim Nielsen, Sandré Swanson, Alberto Torrico and Norma Torres.
In the coming months, the committee will look into issues facing our communities as they respond to the needs of residents and former inmates as they assimilate back into society, the release states.
The RAND Corporation recently released a report, “Understanding the Public Health Implications of Prisoner Reentry in California” highlighting the health, mental health and rehabilitation needs of these individuals as they return to mainstream society.
Rev. Eugene Williams III, CEO of Regional Congregations and Neighborhood Organizations (RCNO), co-author of the RAND report, applauded Speaker Bass’ actions. “The public health implications of reentry significantly impact county public health systems and the communities that receive residents returning from state institutions. Speaker Bass, Assistant Speaker pro Tempore Isadore Hall, III and the members of the Select Committee are to be commended for their willingness to look at the complexity of issues that impact successful reentry and improved public safety.”
The committee will hold an information hearing in February 2010 where the RAND Corporation will present their findings to the Legislature. The hearing will also include testimony from local officials, non-governmental organizations and the public to hear what challenges they face as they deal with those trying to break the cycle of re-incarceration and return successfully to our local communities.
