A MEMORIAL

SUPPORTING FEDERAL LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE PRISONER OPPORTUNITIES TO ACQUIRE SKILLS USEFUL AFTER RELEASE FROM PRISON.

     WHEREAS, it is in the public interest for prisoners to become educated while they are incarcerated; and

     WHEREAS, the federal Literacy, Education and Rehabilitation Act of 2004, H.R. 4752, is under consideration as a means of encouraging the education of prisoners; and

     WHEREAS, it is in the public interest for prisoners to prepare for life after prison; and

     WHEREAS, the proposed federal residential substance abuse treatment program can help prisoners to achieve that end; and

     WHEREAS, families are destroyed when prisoners are unnecessarily isolated from their children; and

     WHEREAS, the proposed federal Children of Incarcerated Parents Study Act seeks to foster the preservation of family ties of incarcerated parents and their children; and

     WHEREAS, measures fostering education, preparation for life outside prison and family preservation are beneficial to both prisoners and their families;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that these three important federal initiatives deserve the support of the New Mexico legislature; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the New Mexico congressional delegation be asked to support these initiatives; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the members of the New Mexico congressional delegation, the director of the federal bureau of prisons and the director of the national institute of corrections.