Speaker’s proposal has merit

Muskogee (Okla.) Phoenix: We have long said there are too many non-violent inmates housed in our state’s prison system.

State House Speaker Kris Steele’s proposal to ease the rising inmate population cleared a legislature committee. Steele has said overhauling the state’s criminal sentencing practices is a top priority.

We agree.

There are too many non-violent criminals clogging the prison system. Many of those criminals have issues that need to be addressed rather than just ignored behind bars.

Many of these people, though found guilty of crimes, could best aid society by conquering their addictions and becoming productive members of the workforce.

Steele’s proposal would expand the number of criminals eligible for programs such as community sentencing.

These offenders would live and work in the community, but would be sentenced to participate in programs that address their problems — drug and alcohol treatment, anger management, or job training.

Giving non-violent offenders a second, third and possibly fourth chance to conquer their demons could eventually return someone to society a better person.