The statistics are staggering for the estimated prison population in America. According to a report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, about one of every 143 U.S. residents were behind bars at the end of last year.
The total number of prisoners was a staggering 2.1 million, with an estimated total of $40 billion a year being paid by taxpayers. Experts say mandatory sentences, especially for nonviolent drug offenders, are a major reason inmate populations have risen for 30 years.
“ The prison population and budget figures -- taken together -- should be setting off alarm bells in state capitols. As legislators are struggling to fund education, health care and stave off spending cuts, many are continuing to choose to pay for an expensive justice system that damages communities and does not produce safe, healthy neighborhoods, “says Jason Ziedenberg of the Justice Policy Institute.
The statistics for homeless people living in America are also staggering. An estimated 3 million Americans are homeless.
The U.S. Conference of Mayors announced a "call to action" to the Administration, Congress, state and local governments, the private and non-profit sectors, and all Americans to do their part to address growing hunger and homelessness in our nation. Specifically, the mayors -
- Called on Congress to immediately consider and build upon President Bush's request for aid to the homeless, as part of a comprehensive effort to end homelessness within ten years;
- Called on Congress and the Administration to enact a national housing agenda, based on the recommendations mayors submitted earlier this year, which would put tens of thousands of Americans to work;
- Called on Congress to streamline federal anti-hunger programs and provide additional outreach resources; and
- Urged all Americans to donate their time, money, and excess food to help combat hunger and homelessness .
