Board of Equalization Member Senator George Runner today issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's controversial 5-4 decision to force California's prisons to release 46,000 convicted felons:

"This decision is a historic attack on the constitutional rights of states and the liberty of all Californians.

"By flooding our neighborhoods with criminals, the Court will make one of highest taxed states in the nation among the most dangerous as well, further tarnishing the California dream.

"At a time when law-abiding Californians cannot find jobs, it's hard to imagine how convicted felons will do anything other than return to a life of crime.

"But at least Justice Kennedy can sleep easier at night knowing that none of these dangerous felons will be released in his neighborhood."

Elected in November 2010, Senator George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the Board of Equalization. Prior to his election to the Board, Runner served twelve years in the State Legislature. He was the lead legislative intervenor challenging an August 2009 federal court order reducing California’s prison population.