California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Monday slammed Alabama’s plans to construct new prisons in an effort to help solve the state’s issues with over-crowded criminal detention facilities.
The progressive governor took issue with Alabama’s utilization of $400 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to construct the new prisons, which will be built in Escambia and Elmore Counties.
In a video tweeted from Newsom’s campaign account, the coastal governor blasted Alabama’s “super-sized prisons.”
“Let’s look at the choices they’re making,” said Newsom of Republican governors. “When states received new federal money, CA gave 3.5 million kids college savings accounts. Alabama spent it on two super-sized prisons. Actions speak louder than words.”
“Lotta talk about education & “choice” from these GOP governors,” he wrote in the tweet. “Let’s look at the “choices” they’re making. When states received new federal money, CA gave 3.5 million kids college savings accounts. Alabama spent it on two super-sized prisons. Actions speak louder than words.”
Lotta talk about education & "choice" from these GOP governors.
Let's look at the "choices" they're making.
When states received new federal money, CA gave 3.5 million kids college savings accounts.
Alabama spent it on two super-sized prisons.
Actions speak louder than words. pic.twitter.com/khHpcKrJOc
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) August 15, 2022
In response, Gov. Kay Ivey took a dig at Newsom by pointing to the amount of Golden State residents fleeing California for Republican-controlled states. Alabama’s chief executive also advised that her administration was “focused on public safety” and had “invested billions” in public education.
“And yet, Governor, folks are making their choice, leaving California in droves and calling “red states” like Alabama home. Down here, we’re focused on public safety,” declared Ivey. “And if we’re talking covid relief, we invested billions in our students. Common sense — that’s the Alabama way.”
And yet, Governor, folks are making their choice, leaving California in droves and calling “red states” like Alabama home.
Down here, we’re focused on public safety. And if we’re talking covid relief, we invested billions in our students. Common sense — that’s the Alabama way. https://t.co/2vxSTNcmCW
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) August 16, 2022
Newsom is widely considered to be a potential Democratic contender for the party’s 2024 presidential ticket.
Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
