Savings Account for Prisoners - CT

The real cost of re-entry. Colorado gives prisoners $100 when they get out of prison. That amount has been the same since 1973. Could we consider a cost of living raise to help reduce recidivism.

(Hartford-AP) _ The state would get a cut of prison inmates' savings accounts under a bill approved by the legislature.

The proposal would allow inmates to save up to $1,000 to use after they are released, and the state would get 10-percent of the money when the account reaches the maximum amount. The money the state gets would be used as reimbursement for the costs of the inmates' incarceration.

The state Senate approved the bill unanimously Monday and sent it to Governor Rell. The House signed off on it in April.

The Department of Correction already recoups nearly $2-million a year from inmates after they are released, and the proposed law would add an undetermined amount to that total.

PLN