Breaking the Addiction to Prison: a Texas Policy Primer Event

On Tuesday, June 13, The Texas Public Policy Foundation will host the "Breaking the Addiction to Prison" luncheon. The luncheon panelists will address the effectiveness of alternatives such as drug courts, inpatient and outpatient treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, victim restitution contracts, and mandatory job training.

The Texas Legislative Budget Board has estimated the state will need another 14,000 prison beds by 2010 -- resulting in $1.24 billion in construction costs alone. With nearly half of the state’s prison population consisting of nonviolent drug and property offenders, this program will explore other alternatives for reforming offenders and restoring victims. [Mark Godsey]