Newsom Lambasts Alabama Governor's Prison Plan

CALIFORNIA — Gov. Gavin Newsom opened the flood gates for a Twitter feud this week when he made a post criticizing Alabama's use of new federal money to build large prisons.

Newsom went after GOP governors, particularly Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey.

"Lotta talk about education & 'choice' from these GOP governors. Let's look at the 'choices' they're making," he said.

"When states received new federal money, CA gave 3.5 million kids college savings accounts," he tweeted. "Alabama spent it on two-super sized prisons. Actions speak louder than words."

Ivey fired back on Wednesday, accusing the Golden State of driving residents away.

"And yet, Governor, folks are making their choice, leaving California in droves and calling 'red states' like Alabama home," she tweeted. "Down here, we’re focused on public safety. And if we’re talking covid relief, we invested billions in our students. Common sense — that’s the Alabama way."

Alabama is building two large prisons using $400 million from the American Rescue Plan, $135 million in state funding and $725 million from bond sales. The plan has been controversial, with opponents arguing that more prisons will only inflame issues plaguing the state, Alabama.com reported.