COSTLY JAIL TIME

If Kansas is not going to increase its taxes, it must cut what it is paying
for prisons, just as other states are. Many states are closing prisons,
reducing prison security and just letting out inmates -- even burglars and
arsonists.

It may be necessary for Kansas to consider such draconian measures, but
first let us try a plan that is to be submitted to the Legislature. It
would place all charged with drug possession with no prior record for
violent crimes or drug trafficking in treatment centers rather than jail.
More than 1,500 of the current 9,000 inmates would leave prison, for an
annual savings of more than $27 million. An inmate in jail costs $21,000
while one in treatment costs only $2,500. This also would reduce the cost
of locking users up over and over. This plan would save us taxes and maybe,
as well, produce some good (taxpaying), drug-free citizens.

CECIL E. MERKEL Wichita