Should Prisoners Foot the Bill for Time Behind Bars?

By: Import User

Updated: January 7, 2009

The prison population is growing and taxpayers are paying the bill. Now lawmakers in some states are considering a controversial new plan. Oklahoma inmates would be forced to pay the state for their time behind bars. Former prisoners say forcing inmatest to pay would cost the state more in the long-run. They say finding steady jobs is tough enough and that the pressure that would come with thousands of dollars of debt could force some former inmates to go back to their bad habits.

Comments

Readers Feel...

hello

'Shocked' Gov. Beebe Calls for Shoffner's Immediate Resignation

Beebe said he was "shocked" after learning of the allegations, and believes it would be best if Shoffner resigned immediately....

PB Alderman Proposes Fee for City Employees Living Outside of City

A Pine Bluff alderman is proposing an ordinance that would deduct three percent from a city employee's check who does not live in the city....

FBI: Cash Payment Received Saturday Led to Martha Shoffner's Arrest

New details on arrest of Arkansas Treasurer emerge in Federal Court appearance....

Sheriff: Body Found in Black River is Missing 14-Year-Old Sidney Randall

The body of a young female found in the Black River Saturday night is that of missing 14-year-old Sidney Randall, according to the Lawrence County Sheriff....

Former LR Police Officer Plans to Claim Self-Defense in Manslaughter Case

A former Little Rock police officer charged with manslaughter in the death of a teen appeared in court ahead of his June 18 trial date, where his attorney said he intended to claim self-defense....

Man Injured in Pine Bluff Shooting, Police Search for Suspect

Officers say the man, who was shot in the hip, was not the intended victim....

Millions Waiting to be Claimed in Great Arkansas Treasure Hunt

State Auditor's Office has 25,000 new names on its list of unclaimed property owners....

AR Farmers Watch Bill in US Congress that would Change Catfish Inspection Procedures

Arkansas farmers and food researchers are paying close attention to farm bill that's moving through congress right now....

Memorial Service Planned for 2 UA Students Killed in Boating Accident

The Tri Delta Sorority of the University of Arkansas announcing it will hold a public memorial service in honor of the two students killed during a boating accident in Oklahoma....

Grill Masters Share Safety Tips on World's Largest Grill

The World's Largest Grill travels across the country at 65 feet, more than 65,000 pounds, with 32 square feet of cooking space, it was in the state for the Magnolia Festival....