Too often, government programs and courts levy burdensome fines and fees on people, partly to generate revenue to balance public budgets. There is often an insidious and unintended impact of this practice– to entrap low-income people in long-term cycles of debt and entrench them in poverty. Poor people and people of color are usually hit the hardest. These financial penalties can make government a driver of inequality, not an equalizer.
Through the tireless work of legal services, community organizations and public agencies California advanced several ‘first-of-its-kind’ reforms last year to reduce the negative impacts of fines and fees. Many statewide reforms are bubbling up across the state. Coalitions are meeting, planning, and growing to advance major reforms for 2019 and beyond.
Panelists will discuss the elimination of fines and fees associated with criminal justice administration and present the broader impact of government-levied fines and fines that strip resources from Californians who are burdened by income inequality. Funders and advocates are invited to learn about concrete and actionable ways to support the movement to eliminate inequitable fines and fees.
Join Us To Learn:
Speakers
Target Audience
Members of Northern California Grantmakers, Funders & City/Statewide Initiatives, and Other CBOs
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