There’s a wide range of opinions among San Quentin prisoners about how to spend the money in the Inmate Welfare Fund, ranging from educational programs to sports equipment.
Statewide, the fund contains about $68 million collected from inmates as a 10 percent surcharge on things which prisoners are allowed to buy and sell.
Current state law requires the money be spent to benefit state prison inmates. A bill pending in the Legislature would permit the funds to pay for recreational and educational activities.
Recently 39 mainliners and members of the Prison University Project were asked: “How would you spend San Quentin’s share of the money (a little more than $2 million) if it were equally divided among the 33 prisons?”
Here are the results:
About 46 percent, or 18 of those interviewed, would spend the money to support educational tools such as books, paper, and supplies to computers, printers and toner.
All six PUP teachers thought IWF funds should be used for educational supplies and support. Some PUP teachers thought education could be improved with additional support for the prison library.
PUP students had similar ideas for spending San Quentin’s share of the money.
“I think the money should be used to buy computers and to provide computer literacy classes,” said Nate.
Malik said IWF funds should “help fund four-year college programs to help us earn bachelor’s degrees.”
IWF funds should be used to fund “re-entry” programs, J.W. said. “We need to get re-entry programs, buy computers, and re-establish contacts with the DMV so that when men parole we can get our driver’s licenses or permits,” he added.
Tommy thought some IWF funds should be used to buy sporting equipment.
Dicky thought that IWF funds would be best spent on things like sports equipment and medicine bags. He thinks it’s a good idea to spend some money removing the trailer at the foot of the stairs from the upper yard to provide additional exercise space.
Barries believes that IWF funds should definitely be used to improve cell conditions, like broken bunk springs.
Dex, Richard, and New York said that IWF funds should be used to improve or upgrade the TV system. “We should be able to use our IWF for cable TV service, Comcast, or Direct TV”, said Richard.
Some men thought IWF should be used to buy better quality prison clothing like shirts, boxers, and socks in addition to other textiles like towels, sheets, and blankets.
“Even if we don’t have enough IWF, we should recycle our cans and use the money to buy some ice machines for the yard,” said Gil.
