Since the mid-1960s, the U.S. has spent an estimated $25 trillion (adjusted for inflation) on more than 80 federal safety-net programs—with too many disappointing results. These programs have become rife with improper spending, complicated eligibility criteria, and excessive administrative bloat that ensnare recipients into dependence on government. The Foundation recommends the enactment of “Empowerment Accounts” (EAs) to replace some if not all traditional safety-net programs whereby a recipient manages (under the supervision of a community navigator) an account with state funds available for increased flexibility to purchase basic necessities along with improvements to help recipients achieve long-term self-sufficiency.
Criminal Justice
Community Supervision: Part 1 – Fees and Fines
The probation and parole division is tasked with collecting monies ordered by courts and/or dictated by Louisiana statute. Collection practices should focus on victim restitution with less emphasis placed on the collection of monies that have little bearing on public safety. Key points – Community supervision is costly, often for reasons unrelated to supervision or...
January 24, 2023