State Sen. Lena Taylor
Press Release

Sen. Taylor appointed to recidivism reduction committee

There are currently over 22,000 inmates incarcerated in Wisconsin prisons and over 66,000 individuals on probation or parole.

By - Jun 22nd, 2016 11:17 am

(MADISON) – Senator Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee) was appointed yesterday to the Legislative Council Study Committee on Reducing Recidivism and Removing Impediments to Ex-Offender Employment. The committee’s goal is to review effective strategies and best practices for reducing recidivism.

The committee is tasked with evaluating evidence-based strategies from Wisconsin and other states to reduce recidivism rates. As part of a holistic approach to a recidivism reduction program, the committee will investigate systems of earned-time credits as well as explore existing impediments to reentry and re-acclimation to society, including continuity of medication, impediments to occupational licensure and professional credentials, and other collateral consequences of conviction.

“Reentry is a vital issue to our community, and I’m honored to have received this appointment,” said Taylor. “We need to make sure that DOC is adequately rehabilitating offenders and that people are returning to the community with the proper tools to re-integrate as contributing members of society.”

There are currently over 22,000 inmates incarcerated in Wisconsin prisons and over 66,000 individuals on probation or parole. The DOC spends an average of $38,000 per prisoner per year, which is above the national average. Recent data puts the three-year recidivism rate at 30%, meaning that nearly one in three ex-offenders will re-offend in a three-year period.

“It’s called the Department of Corrections for a reason,” said Taylor. “It’s less expensive and safer for everyone if we correct behavior using data-driven strategies instead of creating a cycle of incarceration and poverty.”

Senator Taylor is a former chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the only African American in Wisconsin history to hold that post. Taylor’s district includes the 53206 zip code, the most incarcerated in the nation. Taylor is joined on the committee by fellow Milwaukee Rep. Evan Goyke, four other legislators and ten public members. The committee will hold its first meeting Wednesday, July 13th.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.

Mentioned in This Press Release

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State Senator and Milwaukee Mayoral Candidate Lena Taylor statement

One thought on “Sen. Taylor appointed to recidivism reduction committee”

  1. The corrections process of changing people’s anti society behavior seems as changing as changing ones religion or eating habits. Drunk drivers with many offenses and young criminals with guns and violence on bail and probation with ankle bracelet’s does not seem to deter the criminal repetitive behaviors.
    The state of Wisconsin assists victims of brutal and violent assaults providing funds for emergency hospital care is part of the equation that comes to bear to answer the question “Reasonable doubt at a resonable cost” to incarnate or not? The cost analysis of the victim and the supportive system of society for processing a decision of incarceration need to be evaluated as costs. The real question is what methods could work for rehabilation so the criminals do not keep repeating their anti society behaviors.
    Salute to Senator Taylor for taking on the challange for finding the answers and resources.
    Definitely worth reviewing.
    People want safe communities.
    Airports, shopping malls, and various businesses around the world have shown they can create safe and productive communities.

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