Corrections Data Shows Positive Impact of HB 463 That Additional Criminal Justice Reforms Can Build On
The impact of Kentucky’s 2011 criminal justice reforms on the state’s inmate population and budget have been much less than...
Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice Reform and Racial Disparities in Kentucky
Nationally, the racial disparities that exist in the criminal justice system are well-known, with African Americans being overrepresented in prisons and jails. These racial disparities are also present in Kentucky’s...
What is Recidivism and What Can Be Done to Reduce It?
Policy discussions around the need for criminal justice reform like those happening in our state right now often feature the term “recidivism.” While the concept is central to this topic,...
Rising Kentucky Prison Population Should Make Penal Code Reform a 2017 Priority
The governor’s announcement today about the formation of a Criminal Justice Policy Assessment Council to work toward needed reforms is an important step in addressing a serious problem in our...
Criminal Justice Reform Bill Would Save State Money and Reduce Recidivism
While our state has taken some important steps in passing criminal justice reform legislation in 2011, additional reforms are needed. HB 412, a bill sponsored by Representative Yonts, would further...
Facing Challenges with the New GED Test in Kentucky
Facing Challenges with the New GED Test in Kentucky[1.The Kentucky Center for Economic Policy is a non-partisan initiative that conducts research, analysis and education on important policy issues facing the...
Stiff Penalties Cost Both Ky., Addicts
As the Kentucky House and Senate work together to pass much-needed legislation to combat rising heroin use, it’s important that they don’t undermine the state’s recent landmark corrections reforms. Before...
Aspects of Heroin Bills Would Increase State Costs But Have Little Expected Impact on Crime
Amid Kentucky’s heroin crisis, a number of bills have been filed for the 2015 legislative session to address the problem. However, some aspects of what is being proposed would work...
Improving Reentry in Kentucky through Education and Supports for Inmates and Ex-Offenders
With nearly 31 percent of Kentucky’s former inmates recidivating—returning to prison—within two years, a new policy report from the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy (KCEP) recommends that the state invest...
Medicaid Expansion Can Help Address Kentucky’s Substance Abuse Problem
There are many reasons to commend Governor Beshear’s recent announcement that Kentucky will be expanding Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Among the numerous important benefits of the ACA...