CDCR: No Visiting on Labor Day!

Anthony Pignataro: It’s finally happened. We’ve all known that not agreeing upon a state budget (this is Day 55 without a budget for those not keeping track at home) costs us all dearly, but now the calamity is starting to affect a group of Californians most people probably thought even state politics couldn’t touch: prisoners.

That’s right, folks – this Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 6), the California Department of Corrections (CDCR) will not allow any visitations at any of its institutions or camps.

“Because of the state’s serious fiscal condidtion without a budget in place, we must take this measure to preserve funds and ensure our corrections system continues to run safely and efficiently,” Terri McDonald, CDCR’s Chief Deputy Secretary of Adult Operations said in an Aug. 24 press release.

What’s more, the CDCR is moving to “permantly remove Labor Day from the visiting schedule.” This is part of its process of “assessing and implementing several long-term strategies to reduce operational costs.”

Oh, and the savings from not allowing inmate visits on Labor Day? That would be $325,000. Yes, savings are savings, but when compared to the additional $19.2 billion that we have to pay to cover sentencing increases mandated by Three Strikes, according to a recent estimate by the state Auditor, it seems an especially paltry figure.