The Libertarian Party of Los Angeles County opposes Measure J, which would amend the County Charter to mandate that at least 10% of unrestricted general funds be used for alternatives to incarceration. While we strongly support criminal justice reform and condemn excessive incarceration, we do not support this measure's funding mandate. Because the mandate may only be suspended if 4 of the 5 County Supervisors declare a fiscal emergency, it runs a substantial risk of incentivizing tax increases in order to preserve the funding for existing programs in addition to this new required spending. Los Angeles County should reduce incarceration by decriminalizing victimless crimes, not by placing another burden on its taxpayers. We therefore suggest a no vote on Measure J.
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