Koch Network, think tank tackle justice reform
WASHINGTON — The Koch Network is pouring $4 million into a partnership with the conservative Texas Public Policy Foundation and others aimed at reducing criminal recidivism rates in four states.
The Safe Streets and Second Chances project will study criminal rehabilitation programs in Texas, Louisiana, Florida and Pennsylvania with a goal of helping prisoners prepare for employment and lead healthy lives after they’re released.
Roughly $1 million will go toward partnerships such as the one with TPPF in each state, to be used on research and business partnerships.
TPPF’s criminal justice reform arm will lead that effort in Texas. TPPF president and Fort Worth resident Brooke Rollins will serve on the program’s leadership team, along with Koch Industries’ senior vice president and general counsel Mark Holden and Doug Deason, a Dallas businessman and major Koch Network donor.
“States like Texas have shown what’s possible when policymakers get smart on crime,” Rollins said. “Helping individuals transition back to society after their prison sentences have been completed is the best way to reduce crime, protect communities, and save taxpayers’ money.”
Labor rights groups in Texas have long criticized TPPF as a lobbying powerhouse for the interests of power corporate donors. Although TPPF doesn’t disclose its donor list, it shares a large number of contributors with the Koch Network.