I just recently found out from someone within the public defender's office that their budgets for the next year are getting cut, and funding for the building and expansion of prisons will be increased.
Already these public defenders are overworked. SO those of you who find yourselves or a loved one in need of a public defender will be just another number, getting cycled through the system at an alarming rate.
We're building new prisons because of the steady increase in people incarcerated for drug possession or DUIs. These funds could be used to start drug courts or diversion programs that help people overcome their addictions, rather then locking these low-level offenders up with murders, rapists and child molesters.
By no means do I condone drinking and driving or substance abuse. In my own life I have struggled with chemical dependency, but now I want to lead by example.
Those who suffer from addictions won't find any help in prison. Let's help get programs in place to provide that help, rather than locking people up and throwing away the key.
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Broc Buytaert
Rochester
