Governors' Q & A: Rethinking Prison Time

Report Read time:
Governors' Q & A: Rethinking Prison Time

With corrections costs rising and tax revenues falling, governors in a handful of states — including Kentucky, New York, Virginia and Wisconsin — recently have sought to save millions of dollars by shortening the time some prisoners spend behind bars.

The governors' proposals — ranging from early release for some inmates deemed “low-risk”and expanded earned-time credits for those who demonstrate good behavior — in some cases have met with sharp opposition. Critics say releasing prisoners early, even if they are considered “nonviolent,” could threaten public safety and is an unacceptable way for states to save money.

Stateline.org caught up with Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear (D) and Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine (D) at the National Governors Association meeting Feb. 21 in Washington, D.C., to ask them about their plans for reducing inmates' time — and about the political risks accompanying their proposals.

Beshear's plan, which went into effect last year, allows some inmates who return to prison from parole to be credited with the time they served on parole, effectively shortening their sentences.

The Virginia General Assembly Feb 28 rejected Kaine's proposal to allow corrections officials to use their discretion to free some inmates up to 90 days early. Current law allows releases 30 days early.

Read the full Q&A Rethinking Prison Time on Stateline.org.

America’s Overdose Crisis
America’s Overdose Crisis

America’s Overdose Crisis

Sign up for our five-email course explaining the overdose crisis in America, the state of treatment access, and ways to improve care

Sign up
Quick View
America’s Overdose Crisis

America’s Overdose Crisis

Sign up for our five-email course explaining the overdose crisis in America, the state of treatment access, and ways to improve care

Sign up
Article June 13, 2023

37 Scientists Pioneering the Future of Biomedical Research

Quick View
Article June 13, 2023

Biomedical researchers are at the heart of nearly every medical advancement. From cutting-edge cancer treatments to breakthrough discoveries about emerging viruses, these scientists use creativity and ingenuity to explore new horizons in human health and medicine. And for nearly 40 years, The Pew Charitable Trusts has supported more than 1,000 early-career researchers committed to this work.

MORE FROM PEW

A black and white fishing trawler, with its net in the water and an orange light glowing from within the cabin, is followed by dozens of black seabirds. The breaching fin of an orca whale is visible on the dark surface of the water, and a rocky, snow-covered mountain rises from the sea in the background. Fisheries Managers Should Take Care of Ecosystem Health
A man wearing a checkered, collared shirt leans in and touches the shoulder of a man in a blue collared shirt with lights in the background. The Power of Lived Experience in Suicide Prevention
A woman and her grandchildren on a sunny afternoon. Courts Can Do More to Help Families Seeking Guardianship
Sunlight streams into the blue waters of a vibrant coral reef. Yellow, black and blue, and orange fish swim near red, green and bright coral. To Save Biodiversity, Community Funds New Plan
Composite image of modern city network communication concept

Learn the Basics of Broadband from Our Limited Series

Sign up for our four-week email course on Broadband Basics
Quick View

How does broadband internet reach our homes, phones, and tablets? What kind of infrastructure connects us all together? What are the major barriers to broadband access for American communities?