Like it or not, the amount of money spent on campaigns always affects outcomes, and Proposition 47 is no different. Here’s a breakdown of the main contributors to the campaign to pass Proposition 47.
The Open Society Policy Center, which is run by billionaire investor and philanthropist George Soros’ special project, donated the most funding at over one million dollars—$1,460,112, to be exact
The organization’s website lists criminal justice and racial equality as their top causes, along with US national security and human rights, transparency and accountability, immigration, and others. http://opensocietypolicycenter.org/
The second biggest contributor for the FOR side was Public Storage founder and conservative Christian Republican B. Wayne Hughes Jr., at over one million dollars as well—$1,255,000. Prison reform is clearly close to his heart. He actively supports prison ministries and has spent millions expanding a “prisoner to pastors” program in California from 50 to 1,000 inmates and two to 22 prisons. Recently he confidently told the Huffington Post, “”When it passes … the next place for parties to come together are issues around mental health,” said Hughes. “I’m doing what I’m doing and I’m not going to quit. It’s fun helping people.” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/02/b-wayne-hughes-jr-prison-reform_n_5915568.html
Third place at $600,000 goes to the Atlantic Advocacy Fund—a foundation that “for more than 30 years, has made grants to advance opportunity and lasting change for those who are unfairly disadvantaged or vulnerable to life’s circumstances.” This organization strives to better the lives of the ageing, children, and youth, support population health, and further reconciliation and human rights. Read more on the organization’s website here: http://www.atlanticphilanthropies.org/about-atlantic
Find out more about the financial backers (both for and against) of Proposition 47 here: http://www.scpr.org/news/2014/10/17/47466/election-2014-faq-prop-47-criminal-sentencing/
Those are the top 3 contributors to the successful Proposition 47 campaign. Everyone involved in the criminal justice system will be curious to see in the months and years to come what the effects will be—but my bet is more united families, less crime and alcohol/drug abuse, and more money for education and other worthwhile endeavors in state budgets.
Do you have a case that’s being affected by Proposition 47? Let’s talk! Come in for a free consultation or give me a call at (855) 397-0210.
