REFORM JAILS COUNTRYWIDE

WHEREAS, the United States has the largest prison population in the world; and

WHEREAS, many prisoners are held for nonviolent crimes and minor drug offenses; and

WHEREAS, corporations profit off the imprisonment of people and are, therefore, driven to increase incarceration rates:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers will support a nationwide effort to decrease the prison population by supporting legislation in Congress that would provide alternatives to incarceration. Instead of building more jails, invest in youth programs, quality public education, and affordable housing to keep people out of jail. This legislation would also reduce recidivism, prevent crime, and permanently reduce the population of people cycling into and out of jail who are experiencing mental health, drug dependency or chronic homelessness issues.