Proposition 6 is an initiative disguised as a moral effort to end “slavery” in California’s prisons. But don’t be fooled—this is not about fighting slavery. It’s about shifting the cost of running our prisons onto taxpayers while allowing inmates to refuse work without consequences

Currently, California prisons rely on inmate labor to operate. Prisoners cook, clean, do laundry, and even serve on wildfire crews. These tasks are part of their punishment and rehabilitation. Prisoners—convicted criminals—receive food, shelter, medical care, and other services, all paid for by taxpayers.

Proposition 6 would change that by making inmate work completely voluntary, allowing prisoners to refuse work with no repercussions.

Voluntary? Since when do criminals get to decide whether they contribute to their own upkeep? The rest of us must work to pay for our housing, food, and healthcare. Why should convicted felons be allowed to refuse work while receiving free room, board, medical care, and dental services—all funded by California taxpayers?

This isn’t just about prisoners avoiding work—Proposition 6 is a financial disaster waiting to happen. Inmate labor currently helps offset prison operating costs. If this measure passes, prisons will lose essential labor, and the state could face lawsuits demanding that inmates be paid federal minimum wage for their work. The cost to the state will be in the billions. 

Proposition 6 is a slippery slope. It begins by eliminating prison labor requirements but ends with higher taxpayer costs and weakened accountability in our justice system.

California can’t afford to let this happen.