The United States government spends a significant amount of money on its prison system. In 2020, state governments spent a combined $55 billion on corrections. The cost of incarcerating one person is $135,978 per Person in Wyoming, per year.
The High Cost of Prisons | Ripping Tax Payers Off
Operational costs of prison facilities also contribute to the high spending per prisoner. For states with small prison populations, these costs increase the spending per prisoner.
In California, the annual cost to incarcerate one person in prison is reported to be $106,131. This figure is significantly higher than the national average and raises questions!
Social Security: A Stark Contrast
On the other hand, many American citizens, like my mother, live on less than $12,000 per year from Social Security. This stark contrast between the cost of incarceration and the income of many retirees is a cause for concern. Now tell me it cost over $100,000 to house One Person in Prison, AND I will call you a Liar! When my mother lives on Less than $12,000 per year Social Security.
A Call for Transparency and Accountability
The discrepancy between these figures suggests a need for greater transparency and accountability in government spending. It raises questions about whether funds could be better allocated to support social services, education, and rehabilitation programs that could potentially reduce the prison population and, consequently, the cost of incarceration.
While it’s important to ensure public safety and justice, it’s equally crucial to scrutinize the costs associated with these goals. As citizens, we must continue to question, research, and hold our leaders accountable for their decisions on public spending.
Disclaimer: This article is based on available data and does not necessarily represent all viewpoints or the complexity of the issues involved. It is always recommended to seek multiple sources of information when researching these topics.
Commentaires