Florida TaxWatch Warns of Elderly Prisoner Costs

Florida TaxWatch released a report on Tuesday showing how the rising number of elderly prisoners adds to the budget.

"Community safety is the first thing to consider when addressing criminal justice reform, but Florida has options to reduce costs and actually improve public safety," said Dominic Calabro, the president and CEO of Florida TaxWatch, on Tuesday. "Florida taxpayers and policymakers must understand the rapidly incurring costs that accompany aging prisoners so that smart policies can be pursued that prevent either ballooning costs or quick fixes to jeopardize the safety and security of Florida citizens."

The report notes by the end of next year, Florida will have almost 25,000 elderly prisoners, each of whom will have around $11,000 in health costs each year. Florida TaxWatch recommended early release for elderly nonviolent criminals who are close to being released or requiring more intense medical care.

"Understanding the future obligations Florida taxpayers will have for the criminal justice system will ensure our policymakers are prepared to budget for corrections costs," Calabro said.

The report can be read here.