Improving Mental Health to Reduce Incarceration — Mollie Kessler
States with more funding for community mental health programs report lower incarceration rates for individuals with mental illness. A study conducted in California showed that every $1 spent on community mental health services saves around $6 through reduced police interventions, emergency room visits, and jail time. Wisconsin saw a 10% drop in arrests among participants in its crisis intervention and community mental health programs. Another example comes from San Antonio’s Restoration Center, founded in 2008, which provides detox services and short-term mental health treatment, complemented with long-term care referrals. The jail population in San Antonio has decreased by 20%, saving taxpayers over $10 million annually.
Narrowing Socioeconomic Gaps: Increased Funding for Early Education — Daniela Estrada
In addition to economic returns, early education has been found to reduce troublesome behavioral issues. An Australian structured social-emotional learning program offered to first graders lowered problem behaviors such as aggression, anxiety, and hyperactivity, demonstrating that appropriate training can support better self-regulation and conflict resolution skills. More generally, ECE contributes to an overall reduction in crime rates, increased high school graduation rates, and higher lifetime earnings, as students transition into adulthood.
Can Cities Give Migrants Sanctuary? — Alejandro Sigui
Sanctuary cities prohibit local law officers from assisting with immigration law enforcers. Nonetheless, since immigration law is federally enforced, sanctuary cities like Chicago cannot offer full protection to undocumented residents. As a result, even long-term resident migrants like Maria can still be uprooted and deported.