First Step

What to Know: Writing in the Washington Times, pastor Darrell Scott says the Trump administration is keeping its promises on prison reform.

“Making true on his promise to put former prisoners back to work, President Trump has been a vocal supporter of the First Step Act in Congress,” he writes. “This bill passed in the House this year and is the first comprehensive attempt at the reform of our justice system in decades. It curbs mass incarceration, empowers former inmates to get their lives back on track and saves taxpayers money. This legislation helps individuals reintegrate back into their communities by expanding evidence-based reentry programs, including drug treatment, job training, and counseling. It also offers prisoners time credits for good behavior, which incentivizes them to do the right thing, speeds up the judicial process, saves taxpayers money, and most importantly, gives them a second chance.”

The TPPF Take: It’s now up to the Senate to advance prison reform.

“This prison reform legislation would help tear down the barriers to leading a law-abiding, productive life for those who are willing to work for it,” says TPPF’s Derek Cohen. “A decade ago, Texas lawmakers of both parties came together to deliver successful prison reform. The result has been thousands of examples of real redemption, along with healthier communities and stronger families. This can work at the federal level, as well.”

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