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| June 4, 2009 |
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Something needs to be done in order to reform our current prison system. States throughout America are facing a growing prison problem. Many states have used all of the space they possess in their prisons with no money to build according to their needs. As a result, many states are releasing inmates before their sentences are fulfilled. I have long been concerned about the issues surrounding our prison system for two reasons: High recidivism rates (those who return to prison) and cost. We have not been successful in reducing recidivism, proving that our methods must be improved. Likewise the cost to house a prisoner each year is about $23,000/inmate. The more criminals housed in prisons, the more money taxpayers, like yourself, must pay. The costs are not limited to the $23,000/year it costs to house a prisoner, but also the countless indirect costs: Taxes that could be earned by the government if the prisoner was working are lost, broken families require social services, the children of the accused are more likely to follow their parents footsteps into a jail cell and the list goes on.
We cannot ignore this problem any longer. Indiana’s prisons are 99.7% full. As you may know, our state’s tax revenue is dropping to levels even lower than the pessimistic predictions our current State Budget was based on. Acquiring money to build more prisons would be extremely difficult, if not impossible.
I am currently working on legislation to be introduced in this coming legislative session that I hope will help resolve our prison situation. I have contacted several legislators from both parties and have received their support as well.
In preparation for writing this ground-breaking legislation, I pulled together professionals from various fields whose input I value: People from the judicial system, mental health institutions, Dept. of Corrections, sheriff, churches, business people, law professors, and reconciliation and re-entry groups. Everyone had helpful and unique insights to give.
Already we have discovered many techniques to improve this state’s prison system. There are suggestions to have different types of courts (family, drug, etc.), putting drug users into rehab facilities and jobs, different methods of receiving alimony/child support and better preparation for entry and re-entry of prisoners into society.
I know we will not solve all of our prison problems but each one we do solve will positively affect many families and save tax payers money.
Sincerely, Wes |