Schwarzenegger wants state to review sentencing policies

SACRAMENTO (AP) -- Calif. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger confirmed Thursday he will seek a review of state sentencing guidelines, a politically risky undertaking that is part of a wide-ranging plan to address the state's burgeoning prison crisis.
The governor also is proposing 11 billion for more jail and prison beds and shortening parole terms for some convicts.
"We are at the point where if we don't clean up the mess, the federal court is going to do the job for us. As governor, I cannot let that happen," he said.
His proposals, which would need the Legislature's approval, come as pressure mounts to fix a system widely seen as dysfunctional and dangerous to inmates and guards.
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