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Thursday, February 20, 2014
U.S. Rep. Chris Collins, R-Clarence, announced this morning that he will introduce legislation to prohibit the use of federal taxpayer dollars to provide a college education to New York state prisoners in response to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s announced plan to offer college degrees to prisoners.

Collins’ legislation would ban states from using funds from the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which provides states with funding for educational and other programs at state prisons and correctional facilities.

“The Governor’s latest plan to fund college educations for convicted criminals with New Yorkers’ tax dollars is an insult to law abiding citizens all across our state,” Collins said. “We hear over and over again from politicians concerned about the growing cost of higher education and the amount of student debt our young people are sacked with after earning their degree. Strangely, many of these same politicians think tax dollars should be spent to give convicted criminals a free college degree.”

While an overall expected cost has not been offered by Gov. Cuomo, he stated Sunday — when he proposed the plan — that it would cost about $5,000 per prisoner per year. It currently costs state taxpayers about $60,000 per year per prisoner just for food, housing and medical care. The governor said the proposal is designed to reduce recidivism among prisoners and allow them a better chance at contributing to society upon their release.

“Governor Cuomo’s plan is just the latest sign that for a state that is the highest taxed and ranks among the worst in job creation, Albany has its priorities all screwed up,” said Collins.

Collins said he will formally introduce the legislation in the coming days. As the House moves forward with the Appropriations process later this year, Collins will also introduce a limiting rider to ensure no appropriated funds in a particular bill are used to fund college courses for convicted criminals.  Collins’ bill would not ban states from using federal dollars to support GED or work training programs in prisons and correctional facilities.

The Clarence Republican is one of several local politicians to oppose Cuomo's plan.



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