Reports and Resources

Reports

One in 100:  Behind Bars in 2008

According to the PEW Center on the States, 1 in 100 Americans are currently behind bars. The 2008 report looks at how corrections spending is destroying state budgets and found that Oregon spends a greater percentage of its general fund dollars on corrections than any other state in the country.

Cutting Corrections Costs:  Earned Time Policies for State Prisoners

A 2009 report by the National Conference of State Legislatures found that the use of earned time ensures that prison beds are available for the most dangerous and gives those in prison an incentive to do well.

The Fiscal Crisis in Corrections:  Rethinking Policies and Practices

This Vera Institute for Justice 2009 report looks at how states across the country are working to cut corrections costs to save state budgets. Oregon is identified for its cost savings by increasing earned time eligibility for some prisoners.

Increased Earned Release From Prison: Impacts of a 2003 Law on Recidivism and Crime Costs

Washington State increased earned time in 2003.  This 2009 study demonstrates the cost savings and reduced recidivism attributed to the earned time increase.