Matter of Opinion

Thu., Feb. 28, 2008

Your tax dollars locked up

Here's the opening paragraph of this AP article.

For the first time in U.S. history, more than one of every 100 adults is in jail or prison, according to a new report documenting America's rank as the world's No. 1 incarcerator. It urges states to curtail corrections spending by placing fewer low-risk offenders behind bars.

Over 20 years, the rate of increase for prison costs has been six times higher than that for higher education.

In addition, incarceration rates are far outstripping any increases in crime.

Have we gotten too tough? Or is this a good sign for public safety?

Posted Feb. 28, 2008, 1:51 p.m.

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