Thanks to your support in Georgia, Governor Nathan Deal signed HB 1176 into law at a ceremony marking the passage of the bill on Wednesday, May 2, 2012.
The Problem
Georgia is in the midst of a budget crisis, and the cost of prisons is a major factor in the shortfall. Corrections cost Georgia taxpayers over $1 billion in 2011. These funds are being taken from projects benefitting roads, schools, and hospitals. By doing nothing, Georgia will see its prison population rise to nearly 60,000 by 2016, with an additional cost of $264 million.
The Solution
Justice Fellowship has been working with a broad coalition of government officials, law enforcement professionals, pastors and business leaders to address this problem. We have proposed reforms that have been introduced by key legislative leaders in HB 1176. We need to work together and enact reforms that will make our communities safer.
Make sure judges have effective community based programs available to hold low-level offenders accountable without sending them to prison. Increase the number of probation and parole officers to help keep offenders on the straight and narrow. Offer incentives to local jurisdictions that keep the crime rate down by implementing these new policies.
Reform the sentencing structure to focus expensive prison beds on violent, career criminals, and punish lower-level, non-violent offenders with mandatory supervision in their home community.
Use the savings from lowering the prison population to expand drug courts, veterans courts and mental health courts, which provide access to programs and treatment geared to help individual offenders turn their lives around.
Take Action Now!
Please help us pass these important reforms. Here are practical ways you can help:
Educate Yourself on the issues. Learn more about the prison crisis in Georgia here.
Spread the word. Tell your pastor, Bible study group, neighbors and any clubs in which you are active about these reforms. View the state report here, and a sample letter to the editor here.
Pray. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in our efforts, and that He will open the hearts and minds of legislators to these reforms.
Tell your legislators. Call, email and write your legislators and let them know of the broad support for these reforms. View the sample letter to your government representative here and find your legislator here.
Stay Informed
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