Image: lac.org
Since 1993, Sharyn O’Halloran has taught at Columbia University as the George Blumenthal Professor of Political Economics. When not working, Sharyn O’Halloran supports several local organizations, such as the Legal Action Center (LAC). This nonprofit advocates on behalf of people with HIV/AIDS, criminal records, and struggles with addiction.
Recently, the LAC filed a position paper pushing for better alternative-to-incarceration (ATI) and reentry programs. New York State has become nationally renowned for its programs, which have helped saved millions of dollars while also reducing prison populations and curbing crime rates. Historically, these programs have received strong bipartisan support.
The LAC paper calls for the restoration of more than $2 million in funding cuts from these programs in the Executive Budget and actually seeks additional money to strengthen the effort. This funding could help provide critical addiction and mental illness treatment, offer skills training to improve individuals’ ability to find and retain employment, and create new avenues for reconnecting with families and for finding permanent housing after involvement with the criminal justice system.