Corrections savings roundtable - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Corrections savings roundtable

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By David Kenney - bio | email
JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -

State leaders are looking at alternative ways to reduce spending in the state's prison system.

Members of the House Corrections Committee met Monday with the Texas Public Policy Foundation and Prison Fellowship. The two organizations are sharing ways they've helped other states reduce the cost of housing prisoners.

They say they've saved millions by releasing non-violent offenders in supervised work release programs, that help convicts re-connect with their communities and their families.

They've also been able to do this, reducing crime rates and keeping those released from becoming repeat offenders.

"In South Carolina where you got a very Republican legislature and a very Republican governor, they enacted these reforms two years ago, they saved close to 200 million dollars," said Dave Louden from Prison Fellowship, a faith-based parole organization.

Currently the state of Mississippi spends $330 million dollars a year on adult corrections. The cost per day to house a prisoner is $41.74, which officials say is lower than what most states spend.

Copyright WLBT 2012.  All Rights Reserved.

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