Prisoner re-entry and recividism

One topic that has been incorporated into the Arkansas House Democratic Caucus legislative package for the last two sessions is the reduction of the recividism rate. While it's been in the news of late for other reasons (results of an investigative audit by the State), this is the primary purpose of the Cycle Breakers program in Pulaski County.

We're hearing a very compelling presentation on punishment and reform from a heroin addict turned substance abuse treatment coordinator of the Boston Municipal Court Department. His appearance was a good segue to the presentations by Dr. David Wohl (UNC Professor of Medicine) and Dr. Henrie Treadwell (Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta). They not only submitted evidence on recividism but the health conditions of those incarcerated and how it affects state revenue and public health upon their release. About 11.5 million Americans cycle in and out of jail or prison each year. Inmates are more likely to contract chronic communicable diseases (not necessarily while incarcerated).

Next, we're busing over to the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department for a 30-minute look at their offender re-entry program first hand. One thing that goes hand in hand with these programs is that controversial proposals are brought up for debate constantly. We're now hearing a discussion on legislation to give tax breaks to those who employ former prisoners to help them function as they return to the community. Good luck with that.