Recidivism Reduction

One of the leading causes of people going to prison in the first place is the War on Drugs.  As Congressman, I would push hard to have cannabis REMOVED from the federal Schedule of Controlled Substances.  I would also vote against increasing federal penalties for drug-related offenses. No victim, no crime.

Federal law also places unequal weight on powder cocaine and crack-cocaine, which then makes the drug problem into a problem of race and income bracket.  That needs to change. Instead of complaining about how “the system” is racist, let’s be Libertarian and dismantle this system that puts so many working class people in prison.

Finally, nobody likes to hire felons.  If we as a society tie people’s hands behind their backs, throw them in the swimming pool, and tell them to swim, we shouldn’t act surprised when they start sinking.  The best chance felons have is to work for themselves, so I’ll support strong tax incentives for ex-convicts to start their own small businesses. I’ll also support large tax incentives to companies that hire felons and give them a second chance at life.