Right on Crime congratulates Governor Rick Perry
Perry receives Governor of the Year Award for his support of drug-court programs

Austin, TX — Governor Rick Perry was today presented the National Association of Drug Court Professionals’ Governor of the Year Award. This year marks the 25th anniversary of drug courts — treatment programs that help rehabilitate non-violent drug offenders as an alternative to incarceration — and Governor Perry is the first recipient of this prestigious award. Under Governor Perry’s leadership, Texas has saved an estimated $3 billion in prison spending, and is now home to 136 drug courts.

“We heartily congratulate Governor Perry for his well-deserved award as Governor of the Year from the National Association of Drug Court Professionals,” said Marc Levin, Director of the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Center for Effective Justice and Right on Crime. “We have been privileged to work with the Governor and other Texas policymakers over the last several years to expand drug courts in Texas. It is clear that these drug courts are working to combat substance abuse and crime.”

“The diversion of appropriate offenders to drug courts has contributed to savings of $3 billion dollars, as Texas has closed three prisons instead of building the 17,000 new beds that in 2007 were projected to be needed by 2012,” added Levin. “Most important, Texas has its lowest crime rate since 1968. We look forward to continuing to work with Governor Perry and other Texas policymakers to build on this success, and we are confident this award will only add to the momentum for taking the next steps to improve Texas’ criminal justice system.”

More information about Governor Perry receiving the National Award for Criminal Justice Reform can be found here: http://t.co/NBkKBoNZFm