March 29, 2011 10:54 PM UTC

Here's how you fix a state budget!

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• by: VanDammer

Colorado Senate passes $5,000 to $10,000 fines for people buying sex

From AP DENVER – A statewide network of “john schools” for men caught seeking prostitutes is closer to approval in Colorado.

The Colorado Senate on Tuesday voted 32-2 for a bill raising fines to a minimum of $5,000. Fines could reach a maximum of $10,000.

The money would be used to set up scared straight-type diversion programs educating the mostly male customers about the harsh reality of human trafficking.

Similar schools in other parts of the country have been credited for reducing recidivism. Supporters say prostitutes and traffickers won’t go away unless the demand side of prostitution is addressed. John schools are for first-time offenders who seek adult prostitutes.

Senate Bill 85 now heads to the House.

Maybe Gessler could think of a way to divert the fines over to general funds (only if he gets to skim a little 2 make up for his lowly salary).

I just can’t wait ’til we capture a few well-known names in this snare.