Mass Incarceration

Over two million people in our country are incarcerated, more per capita than ANY other country in the world.   The primary cause is the “three strikes and you’re out” mentality and the outlawing of minor drug offenses begun during the Clinton Administration. The result has been overcrowded prisons, a needless waste of taxpayer resources and increased family instability.

The Conservative Case for Prison Reform

Until recently, Republicans have been reluctant to support criminal justice reforms.  Fiscal responsibility has caused many of us to look at prisons and sentencing with new eyes. Sentencing reform and innovative programs to move offenders through the criminal justice system more quickly, special purpose courts, set asides and “second look” judicial reforms could very well reduce prison populations and help reenergize employment opportunities for those emerging from the criminal justice system.  Texas enacted progressive programs which have substantially reduced prison populations and saved the state millions of dollars. 

The savings over time are likely to be even more significant as the attendant social costs resulting from an absent parent are decreased. When fathers (or mothers) are incarcerated, the burden of a single income means the household is more likely to need governmental assistance.  When fathers (or mothers) are incarcerated, the emotional stress on children is known to cause learning and behavioral disruptions that also cost taxpayers.  When fathers (or mothers) are incarcerated the impact on future generations is destructive not only to individuals but to our society.