The Real Cost of Prisons Weblog

Joined by the governors of 13 states, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today called on Congress to provide $850 million in federal fiscal year 2007 funding for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP). Governor Schwarzenegger today sent letters asking for additional federal funding to key House and Senate leaders on fiscal committees, as well as the California delegation. "Each year, thousands of undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes in California are incarcerated at state taxpayer's expense. Ensuring California receives every dollar possible for this federal obligation is a top priority for me," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "While the federal government works on improving border security, it is imperative that states receive financial assistance for the continued costs associated with the federal government's failure to secure the border." Similar efforts last year by Governor Schwarzenegger resulted in a $100 million increase in overall SCAAP funding, bringing the total 2006 federal appropriation to $405 million. In 2005, California received $121 million, almost half of total SCAAP funding. It is estimated that California spends more than $750 million each year for the incarceration of criminal aliens. SCAAP is a federal program that reimburses states and local governments for costs associated with the incarceration of criminal aliens. The SCAAP Program was created by the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1990.
The 13 governors joining Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger in asking Congress for SCAAP funding
include: Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, Georgia
Governor Sonny Perdue, Texas Governor Rick Perry,
Washington Governor Christina Gregoire, Florida
Governor Jeb Bush, New York Governor George Pataki,
Iowa Governor Thomas Vilsack, Minnesota Tim Pawlenty,
Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski, New Mexico Governor
Bill Richardson, Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn, Illinois
Governor Rod Blagojevich, and New Jersey Governor Jon
Corzine.