Consider preventative programs
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Editor,
With regards to Terry Falk’s letter to the editor (Dec. 3) and his idea that about one-third of the state windfall could be spent on prisons: a little surfing on the internet tells me that out of state prisons charge Montana about $90 per day per inmate, the state pays about $83 per day to counties to house some of their inmates. The average cost to house a prisoner in the US for a year is $65,000. I have no doubt that our prisons need repairs and expansion, but how about looking at the costs and benefits of preventative programs … Head Start programs, job training, mental health programs and drug treatment? Head Start costs about $8500-$9000 to provide services annually per child. The lifelong benefits? Crime reduction, higher eventual earnings, and a trickle-down benefit to the next generation. Mental health programs - just start with more school counselors and nurses to help identify problems before it’s too late. When prevention is too late drug treatment helps keep people out of jail and off the streets.
As for spending on “other bill objectives,” and I don’t know what they are, but Montana’s infrastructure is in terrible shape. One third back to our taxpayers sounds great however there are probably productive things that can be done with it that will benefit taxpayers. If our taxes are too high, then cut back some but keep what we have. Does your piggy bank ever have too much money in it? I doubt it. Use the surplus to get us caught up. Investments are not strictly monetary. It’s not always put in $100 to get $150 out. It might be put in some $$ to have a good neighbor in the future who is gainfully employed and not on drugs. That sounds like a great investment to me.
Vicky MacLean
Ronan
