Pubdate: Fri, 06 Jun 2003
Source: Leaf-Chronicle, The (US TN)
Copyright: 2003, The Leaf-Chronicle
Contact:  http://www.theleafchronicle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1601
Author: Don R. Ash

MCMILLAN INSTRUMENTAL IN GETTING COURT FUNDING

I am a Circuit Court Judge in the Sixteenth Judicial District, which 
includes Rutherford and Cannon counties. I preside over our Drug Court. 
This court is available to non-violent drug addicts who want to turn their 
lives around and become productive citizens. The program runs for 
approximately 12 to 18 months and includes weekly appearances in court, 
random drug screens, educational requirements, attendance at AA meetings, 
plus payments of fines and court costs. Sadly one in five are not 
successful and are required to serve their jail sentence. Statistically of 
the participants who graduate, only 8 percent will ever be rearrested. This 
compares to a 50 percent recidivism rate if people go into the penal system.

More importantly to taxpayers, the cost of the program is around $5,000 per 
person while the cost of incarceration is in excess of $25,000 per person.

There are over 600 Drug Courts operating in the United States. Currently 
there are 14 Drug Courts operating in Tennessee. A majority of the funding 
for these programs comes from federal grants overseen by the Department of 
Justice. Regretfully, these federal funds can only be used to start up 
these programs, not sustain them.

This is where your local State Rep. Kim McMillan came to the rescue. Her 
leadership in the House was instrumental in the adoption of the Drug Court 
Treatment Bill, which adds $75 to the fines for drug convictions, and these 
funds are designated for the operations of Drug Courts.

I know public service requires sacrifice, courage and a compassionate 
heart. McMillan encompasses all of these qualities. Tennessee and 
Montgomery County are fortunate to have such a fine leader in the House of 
Representatives. It is with all of this that I express my thanks to people 
who have elected and entrusted her to this position.

Don R. Ash

Circuit Court Judge

Murfreesboro
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