FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 4, 2024
Press Contact
Karen Garcia, La Defensa
Angelenos Overwhelmingly Pass Measure E Affirming Commitment to Accountability and Continued Investments in Alternatives to Incarceration
LOS ANGELES – Last night, the country witnessed sweeping wins for candidates and policies that affirm care, dignity, and accountability and Los Angeles County was no exception. Within a couple of hours of polls closing, Measure E–a measure to establish independent ethics oversight in our county government and invest dollars into care first services–had already received over a million votes from Angelenos, confirming its passage.
Angelenos unequivocally voted yes for county government oversight and accountability to everyday people. While strengthening the power of the Ethics Commission created within Measure G and enshrining Measure J into the County Charter, Measure E will reinforce the infrastructure of care and ethics needed for the County to meet the urgent needs in our communities.
From eliminating the waste of public funds on liability settlements to finally closing the dilapidated Men’s Central Jail, there is much work to be done in Los Angeles County, but the establishment of an Independent Ethics Commission that can create checks and balances is a step in the right direction. Ensuring that public dollars continue to be invested in care-first services, in tandem, as Measure J mandates, will also support LA County’s shift away from its carcel system.
Megan Castillo, (She/Her), Coordinator of the Re-Imagine Los Angeles Coalition, and Director of Organizing and Advocacy at La Defensa, said, “As a lifelong Angeleno, I am thrilled that LA County voters showed up loud and proud during this midterm election to vote YES on accountability and investments in alternatives to incarceration. Residents are tired of the status quo and they have been ready for bold leadership and policies that will actually meet the needs of their community members. Measure E and the accountability infrastructure it will create will play a huge role in that.”
Supervisor Holly Mitchell, (She/Her), Los Angeles County Supervisor for District 2, shared, “The decisive passage of Measure E sends a clear message that voters remain committed to accountability, investments in our communities, and alternatives to incarceration. Together, we will honor the will of the voters by protecting the critical investments in community-based programs and services mandated by Measure J back in 2020, and ensuring the independence of the new Ethics Commission for LA County.”
Jessica Farris, (She/Her), Senior Policy Counsel at American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, said, “Measure E is a victory for government accountability and L.A. County's commitment to investing in community and alternatives to incarceration. At a time when Sheriff Robert Luna and District Attorney Nathan Hochman are pushing for construction of a new jail and greater reliance on policies that harm our communities, voters have reaffirmed the importance of funding care and services that help people build stable futures."
Brian Kaneda, (He/They), Deputy Director and Los Angeles Coordinator of Californians United for a Responsible Budget, shares, “Measure E’s resounding success at the ballot box is part of a broader message voters sent across the country last night: government must be more accountable and more responsible to the people it serves. In LA County, that means reasserting our Care First commitments—investing in alternatives to incarceration and standing with immigrants, people impacted by the justice system, and communities struggling most as the cost of living continues to rise.”
Justin Marks, (He/Him), Co-Executive Director of Youth Justice Coalition, said, “As a community-based organization serving system-impacted youth and families in South Central, we are proud to be part of an incredible movement that organized to make it clear once again that voters want to invest our collective tax dollars into Care First resources and programs, just as we did in 2020 when we passed Measure J. Angelenos across the county decided to protect vital Measure J resources in a time where LA County is spending close to $750,000 per year to incarcerate one young person. The Ethics Commission gaining greater independence and structure is a crucial win, especially at a time where Angelenos have lost trust in County officials to protect our most vulnerable communities from the harm caused by the Probation and Sheriffs Department.”