Announcement for 04/22/09
House Appropriations Subcommittee Holds Hearings on Prisoner Reentry
During the week of March 9, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science held seven hearings focusing on prisoner reentry issues that reflect Capitol Hill’s high level of interest in safe and successful reintegration. Congressman Allan Mollohan (D-WV), Chairman of the Committee, conducted the hearings with ranking member Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA).
“It is becoming more and more apparent that effective reentry programs are the key to reducing recidivism and the strains on our communities and prison resources associated with recidivism,” said Chairman Allan Mollohan. Mollohan added that the Second Chance Act was a good starting point for dealing with substance abuse issues in prisons.
“Over the last two months, the Commerce, Justice, and Science subcommittee has held some of the best hearings on corrections reform and prisoner reentry that I have participated in during my time in Congress. We have heard from a number of witnesses about innovative state and local programs, including the Pew-CSG Justice Center effort, and I firmly believe we must focus on sharing and replicating best practices nationally,” said Congressman Wolf.
Witnesses included Harley Lappin, Director, Federal Bureau of Prisons; Dennis Schrantz, Deputy Director, Michigan Department of Corrections; and Jeremy Travis, President, John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Phil Glover, National Legislative Director, AFGE Council of Prison Locals; James M. Byrne, PhD., Professor, University of Massachusetts, Lowell; Judge Stephen Manley, Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara; and Faye Taxman, PhD, Professor, Administration of Justice Department, George Mason University also testified.
In his remarks, Deputy Director Schrantz commented on how evidence-based prisoner reentry can be a successful crime-fighting tool. “The Second Chance Act is good federal policy and more funding is needed,” stated Schrantz. He and other witnesses called on the appropriators to fully fund the act and to continue their push for smarter public safety investments.
To view the full witness list and submitted testimony, click here.