Finally, we must fully fund the replacement of the Nebraska State Penitentiary. The existing penitentiary was built over one hundred and fifty years ago. Its walls are crumbling, and its infrastructure is aged beyond simple repair.
For those wishing to pursue criminal justice reform, this should be a no-brainer. A modern facility will give our inmates a better quality of life. It will allow us to offer enhanced services and programming to prepare these men for life after time served.
I am not asking anyone to choose between supporting a modern State Penitentiary and pursuing policies that aim to reduce crime and recidivism. These solutions are not at odds. There is room for both as we work to strengthen Nebraska.
@GovRicketts I don't think anyone is debating the need for NSP's closure; it's draconian and unsafe. But, spending millions on new construction is just wasteful when the system can't effectively manage the population it has now. Perhaps putting that $$ into rehabilitation programming would /1