Politics
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.

About the Author

Steve Visser
More Stories

Keep Reading

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., speaks to reporters as he heads to the chamber, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, July 2, 2025. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Credit: AP

House wins over skeptics, passes Senate version of ‘big, beautiful bill’

The U.S. House narrowly approved the Senate version of the reconciliation bill after hours of negotiating with holdouts in the Republican party, including Rep. Andrew Clyde.

Georgia Republicans back Trump tax bill despite deep cuts to programs

Democrats hope to turn next year’s election into a referendum on the high-stakes package, which slashes Medicaid and other programs to extend tax cuts.

‘I’m in shock’: Investors reeling after collapse of GOP-tied Georgia lender

Investors are wondering if they’re going to get their money back after First Liberty Building & Loan of Newnan abruptly closed its doors amid state and federal scrutiny.

The Latest

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., speaks to reporters as he heads to the chamber, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, July 2, 2025. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Credit: AP

House wins over skeptics, passes Senate version of ‘big, beautiful bill’

‘I’m in shock’: Investors reeling after collapse of GOP-tied Georgia lender

OPINION

Legislative sausage-making is not for everyone

Featured

UPS driver Dan Partyka delivers an overnight package. As more people buy more goods online, the rapid and unrelenting expansion of e-commerce is causing real challenges for the Sandy-Springs based company. (Bob Andres/AJC 2022)

Credit: TNS

Amid UPS struggles, shipper makes first-ever plans to offer buyouts to drivers

UPS said in a written statement it is navigating “an unprecedented business landscape.”

Kneeling man impaled by giant straw? Towering mural leaves public mystified.

A towering mural on the side of the Connally Hotel has mystified Atlanta since 2011. Who is the kneeling man, and what's piercing him? Is it a beam of light? A drinking straw?

OPINION

I just graduated college. Will I be able to buy a house like my parents did?

A recent college grad asks: Am I going to be able to buy a home like my parents did less than 30 years ago?