California congressman writes to Governor Newsom to protect Calipatria State Prison
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Congressman Raul Ruiz (D-CA) wrote to California Governor Gavin Newsom about protecting Calipatria State Prison.
Governor Newsom previously made an announcement regarding the closure of a state prison due to a revision in the California budget.
Closing the Calipatria prison is only a possibility, but Congressman Ruiz wrote to governor saying that the prison's closure would have a devastating economic impact on the Imperial Valley.
"The closure of Calipatria State Prison would strip away a critical source of economic security from families already struggling to make ends meet," said Congressman Dr. Ruiz. "This is about more than just jobs; it’s about protecting the ability of parents to provide for their children and ensuring that communities in Imperial Valley are not left behind. I am calling on Governor Newsom to not close the Calipatria State Prison."
Closing the prison would affect hundreds of jobs for locals.
The possible closure of the prison would also follow the planned closure of the Spreckels Sugar Plant.
The region of Imperial Valley currently has an unemployment rate of 16%.
You can read Congressman Ruiz's full letter below: