Since 1980, Congress has steadily increased the size and scope of the federal criminal code and with it the federal prison population. In that period, the federal government has added an estimated 2,000 new crimes to the books, while the federal imprisonment rate has grown by an astounding 518 percent. During the same period, annual spending on the federal prison system rose 595 percent, from $970 million to more than $6.7 billion, after adjusting for inflation.

MA Restorative Justice Hearing Tomorrow: Tuesday, June 16th 1-4pm (Room 437 at Statehouse) The people of Massachusetts have an important opportunity on Tuesday, June 16th to further support of one of the world’s most powerful peacebuilding tools: Restorative Justice (RJ). Senate Bill 71: An Act Promoting Restorative Practices would support RJ practices in the state. A hearing is scheduled with the Joint Committee on Children Families and Persons with Disabilities. Our champion sponsor, Sen. Jamie Eldridge, and many other officials and community leaders have seen the impact of RJ first-hand. Restorative justice addresses crime and harm as an issue involving families, communities, and relationships. By meeting the needs of those affected, it nips criminal activity in the bud more effectively than incarceration, and can provide meaningful healing for all involved.