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Lee calls for use of alternative sentencing programs

Lee also has emphasized criminal justice reform as one of his top priorities when he takes over the governor’s office on Jan. 19.

After spending years volunteering with Men of Valor, a Nashville faithbased nonprofit that helps men being released from prison with the re-entry process, Lee said the state “can do a better job of that in corrections.”

He cited the statistics: Of the inmate population, around 95 percent will be released from prison. Of those, roughly half commit crimes again within the first two years of release, sending them back to prison.

“If we really wanted to address the crime rate ... then we need to reduce recidivism,” Lee said. “And we do that by looking at how we re-enter folks.”

Another major factor of criminal justice

Vows support for refugees, immigrants while backing state’s lawsuit against feds

In recent weeks, Lee has continued his vow to be a governor for every Tennessean.

He said Monday that even includes immigrants and refugees who call Tennessee home.

“For every citizen of this state, I want Gov.-elect Bill Lee will take office on Jan. 19, succeeding fellow Republican Gov. Bill Haslam.