A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT COLLABORATE WITH THE SECOND CHANCE PROGRAM TO OBTAIN FEDERAL GRANT FUNDING AND ESTABLISH A DEMONSTRATION, PRISON-BASED DRUG REHABILITATION PROGRAM IN NEW MEXICO.

WHEREAS, the provision of substance abuse treatment to criminal offenders improves public safety and enhances public health; and

WHEREAS, an offender who receives effective substance abuse treatment will be less likely to commit additional crimes to support his drug habit; and

WHEREAS, an offender who receives effective substance abuse treatment will be more likely to live a healthy and productive life; and

WHEREAS, the inmate population in New Mexico continues to grow each year, due in large part to high recidivism rates; and

WHEREAS, in order to break the cycle of recidivism, it is necessary to break the cycle of drug addiction that is common to so many inmates; and

WHEREAS, the substance abuse treatment program provided by the second chance program has proven very effective, even for long-term, heavy drug users; and

WHEREAS, the four pillars of the second chance program are drug rehabilitation, education, self-respect and life skills; and

WHEREAS, the rehabilitation component of the second chance program emphasizes exercise, an improved diet and the use of saunas to expedite the detoxification process;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the corrections department be requested to collaborate with the second chance program to obtain federal grant funding and establish a demonstration, prison-based drug rehabilitation program in New Mexico; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of corrections and the president and executive director of the second chance program.