Politics

State to get serious on crime reform

By Steve Visser

June 22, 2011

Todd Markle, executive counsel to Gov. Nathan Deal, state Rep. Jay Neal, R-Lafayette, Fulton County Chairman John Eaves and Clayton County Chairman Eldrin Bell all agree Georgia has to quit just locking up drug offenders and non-violent criminals.

It costs too much and released offenders can't find jobs. Deal has established a Criminal Justice Reform Council to tackle the issue.

They met at the Fernbank Science Center Wednesday to be part of a symposium put on by an organization that helps prisoners who finish sentences. Jobs, housing and drug counseling are three key factors in keeping ex-cons from becoming convicts again.

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