A BETTER FUTURE
It is not common sense or compassion as much as necessity which drove the state of Pennsylvania to offer early release to some non-violent offenders. Overcrowded prisons helped to prompt the offer of opportunity for offenders to transition back into society sooner through various programs. Participation in drug treatment, literacy and anger management programs can make arrestees eligible for early release.
Long term, this is most likely the best investment that Pennsylvania can make for its economy. While we all understand the expense of keeping someone locked up, there is the constant hidden expense of addiction in terms of lost productivity, theft and increased medical costs due to illiteracy and drug abuse.
It is also humane. At every turn in this society there is the temptation to indulge in drugs and only 25% of our kids are graduating from high school. We are setting them up to fail and then locking them up when they do. Teenage years have always been hard, but this generation has really got it tough.
Whether it be methamphetamine, crack cocaine or heroin abuse, stats show that kids who use drugs are most likely to drop out of school and have legal difficulties. Nobody caught them when they were crashing, but perhaps Pennsylvania can now pick some of their fallen citizens and give them another chance.
It is better to treat addicts before they get caught up in the legal system. If you know someone who is addicted call Narconon
at 877-413-3073. We have a 76% success rate.
http://www.jointogether.org/news/headlines/inthenews/2008/new-legislation-aimed-at.html
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