Eight state governments currently are contemplating legislation that would shorten jail terms for some offenders as a way to save money during the down economy. No, really:
A Rhode Island proposal would allow inmates to deduct up to 12 days from their sentence for every month they follow rules and work in prison. Even some violent offenders would be eligible but not those serving life sentences.
A plan in Mississippi would offer early parole for people convicted of selling marijuana or prescription drugs. New Jersey, South Carolina and Vermont are considering funneling drug-addicted offenders into treatment, which is cheaper than prison.
Laying off prison guards and making it more difficult to send parole violators back to prison would save money.
If implemented, the plans would save an estimated total of $450 million in California and Kentucky:
In California, where lawmakers have taken steps to cut a $16 billion budget deficit in half by summer, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed saving $400 million by releasing more than 22,000 inmates who had less than 20 months remaining on their sentences. Violent and sex offenders would not be eligible.
Laying off prison guards and making it more difficult to send parole violators back to state prison would account for part of the savings.
Law enforcement officials and Republican lawmakers immediately criticized Schwarzenegger’s proposal, which would apply to car thieves, forgers, drunken drivers and some drug dealers. Some would never serve prison time because the standard sentence for those crimes is 20 months or less.
“To open the prison door and release prisoners back into communities is merely placing a state burden onto local governments and will ultimately jeopardize safety in communities,” said Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer, who could see 1,800 inmates released in his area.
In Kentucky, which faces a $1.3 billion deficit, lawmakers approved legislation Wednesday to grant early release to some prisoners. Initial estimates were that the plan could affect as many as 2,000 inmates and save nearly $50 million.
If the governor signs the bill, the exact number of prisoners would be determined by prison officials. Violent convicts and sexual offenders would be exempt.
Leave it to California and Kentucky to be the voices of reason by not releasing violent prisoners or sexual offenders. Right ….
There probably will be some economic stimuli coming from this program, though. I mean when the druggies get out and start copping again, that should put some greenbacks into circulation. And then there’s all the second-story guys who will need to replace their burglary tools. And the guns, don’t forget about them.
But a recessed economy is probably not going to welcome a bunch of newly minted ex-cons with fabulous, high-paying jobs. So most of them will end up back in the hoosegow within a few months, but think of the money we’ll have saved in the meantime!
Anyone have any stats on the economic impact of decriminalizing (not legalizing) pot?
Arnold has decided that the California Correctional Peace Officers Association (a Labor Union) has gotten too influential. The message he hopes to send to SEIU and other Labor Unions that represent California state employees is that if he can bust the Big Dog, he can bust any of the Unions.