As The Tribune reported, 80% of the $55 million “Operation Rio Grande” budget funded law enforcement and the criminal justice system in some way (court cases, jailing costs). If we divest from law enforcement, we can fund transformative justice solutions — addressing the context that makes homelessness possible.
Where was the funding to expand our shelter system as previously promised? Where was the funding for veteran, immigrant and mental health care resources? Where is the funding for transitional housing for folks just out of the criminal justice system in need of recovery from putative institutional trauma?
We must acknowledge that other solutions exist; we have the power and the money to exemplify transformative solutions to the social issues in our city.
Levana Nicolia and Jake Trimble, Salt Lake City