(Chicago, IL) – February 2, 2011
The Chicago Sun-Times has published an editorial following the release of the final report by the Illinois Disproportionate Justice Impact Study Commission. (See story.)
The editorial concludes, “The state can make improvements… by increasing funding for prison-alternative programs such as drug courts and substance abuse treatment for nonviolent offenders. Each prison inmate costs the state about $25,000 a year, according to Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities. The cost of treating a low-level drug offender, on the other hand, ranges from $4,000 to $7,000.
“Better alternatives to prison are essential.”
Please read the full editorial here.