Groups say state should fund treatment over incarceration

Wisconsin should dramatically increase the amount of money it spends on treatment programs that keep offenders with drug and alcohol addictions and mental illness out of prison, two groups said Tuesday. The call is receiving a warm reception from some Republicans and Democrats weary of forking over roughly $1.3 billion a year to lock up Wisconsin offenders — about half of whom land back in prison after release. (WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL, 11/28)