Bipartisan members of Congress voice support for public safety and reducing recidivism

Numerous bipartisan members of Congress are urging continued support of three programs aimed at increasing public safety and reducing recidivism, the Justice Center reports.

Ninety-two members of the House of Representatives urged continued funding for the Second Chance Act, signed into law in 2008. It has made more than 800 grants in 49 states to improve re-entry programs.

Sixty-eight House members supported continued funding for the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act. It funds mental health courts and treatments within the criminal justice system.

Fifty-two House members urged continued funding for the Justice Reinvestment Initiative. It aims to reduce corrections spending and reinvesting in community programs that improve public safety.

The Justice Center is affiliated with the Council of State Governments. It reports the actions in April.