Locking Up Wasteful Spending

As our families continue to cut spending in these tough economic times, our government needs to do the same and evaluate carefully how we can reduce spending. One area in which we can save taxpayers’ dollars is in our jails. Prisons in Indiana are 99.7% full and we do not have the financial ability to build more prisons.  It takes at least $23,000 a year to house each inmate that resides in our jails creating a burden on hard working Hoosiers across our state. As your State Representative, I have investigated this growing problem and have some solutions that will solve some of the issues.

We can streamline the entire judicial process by reorganizing courts into specialty courts that are able to deal with an entire case. For example, a family court combines many facets of law, such as, alimony, bankruptcy, custody, divorce, etc., to all be heard under one judge. This has drastically cut down court costs and saved taxpayers money in other states.

Second, we should place non-violent and non-dealing drug users in rehab centers where they stand a legitimate chance at defeating drug addiction and will significantly reduce the chance of them being repeat offenders and being incarcerated later on.

Third, educational opportunities should be available to those who are willing to apply themselves while in jail.  Though it seems somewhat unfair to "give" inmates what we have to pay for, if it helps keep inmates from coming back to our jails, we are all ahead financially.  Education has proven to be a powerful deterrent of recidivism.

Fourth, we should encourage employers who commit to hiring and mentoring released prisoners. All too often, people commit crimes because they cannot find work and a job can help keep a person on the right track.

Finally, we must build a collaborative effort in each county of all who are involved with the handling of prisoners. Elkhart County has recently received a grant to form such a group of concerned citizens and I am excited to see what we can accomplish together.  Other counties that have done this have reduced recidivism in their communities.

Ultimately, the future of each individual rests in their own hands but if we can encourage those who wish to turn over a new leaf and remain out of our jails, it is well worth it both for our society and our wallets. Let's not be soft on crime; let's be "smart" on crime.  Let me know what you think. Click here to answer a survey that will take less than a minute of your time or email me at h49@IN.gov.

Sincerely,

Wes