California gives people leaving prison just $200 to start over. After 50 years, that could change

The gate money' the state offers is insufficient to survive', one activist says, and can contribute to recidivism

A California lawmaker wants to increase the allowance that people released from prison receive to cover basic needs for the first time in nearly 50 years.

Sydney Kamlager, a state senator representing Los Angeles, is introducing legislation Friday to bump up the gate money" - funds that people released from state prisons are given - from $200 to nearly $2,600.