Testimony by legislators at 3/20/03 Hearing
Financial Concerns
“As the financiers of the prison system, the public has a right to know what is occurring at the DOC and the right to determine whether or not improvements to the system are necessary to align its outcomes with its purpose.” Rep. Alice K. Wolf
“The citizens of our state have a right to have their tax dollars spent in the most efficient and productive way possible. A DOC Citizen Review Board will help the DOC make the best use of its funding.” Rep. Kay Khan
Other State agencies advisory boards
“Many state agencies and the public now benefit from the activity of various advisory boards within our government.” Rep. Kay Khan
“The re-establishment of this independent commission will return a desirable level of citizen input into the Department of Corrections operations and will provide a resource for oversight and improvement of public institutions.” Rep. Jay R. Kaufman
Impact on Administration, Correctional Officers and Prisoners
“[The Citizen Review Board’s] will be a valuable resource to the management of correctional facilities.” Rep. Kaufman
“A DOC Citizen Review Board will offer the DOC a professional, focused and independent perspective on the Department’s strengths and weaknesses.” Rep. Khan
“I believe public access and investigation of state prisons will ensure efficiency in the use of resources at the Doc and ensure adequate conditions for inmates and employees of the DOC.” Rep. Wolf
Recidivism
“Each year, approximately 20,000 inmates are released from prison back into each ofour communities. If these individuals come out of prison unprepared for citizenship we will all pay a substantial price. If ex-inmates are not prepared for the workforce, if they do not receive substance abuse treatment, if they do not receive proper mental health care and other health care services, if they are not prepared to access housing and if they are not prepared to meet the responsibilities of parenthood and family life will all pay a substantial price.” Rep. Khan
Relationship of DOC advisory board to the Legislature and Governor
“A DOC Citizen Review Board is also NOT a substitute or limitation on the authority fo this Committee [on Public Safety] or any legislator.” Rep. Khan