Yet again West Virginia finds itself at the top of a national list that should alarm all of us.
A report today by Reuters finds that the death rate of people incarcerated in West Virginia jails from 2008-2019 was the highest of any state, and more than 50 percent higher than the national average.
Most people in our regional jails haven't been found guilty of anything. They're sitting in jail because they can't afford to purchase their freedom through bail.
We must demand a better legal system from our elected leaders. We can lower crime by strengthening community supports, not by locking up more people than any other country in the world.
It’s time to end mass incarceration in West Virginia and everywhere.