Former governor proposes plan to help inmates earn a degree while serving time in prison. By Tommy Thompson - Dec 22nd, 2020 11:43 am //end headline wrapper ?>Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility. Photo by Jeramey Jannene.
I first started thinking about prisons during my early years in the Assembly, more than 50 years ago. I believed then, and I believe now, that we need to give people who have committed a crime a second chance.
I’ve been thinking more about this lately as I reflect on my accomplishments in political life and as I work to renew the Wisconsin Idea for the 21st century as president of the University of Wisconsin System. It’s clear to me now that our state hasn’t done enough to give prisoners another shot at a good life, and it’s equally clear that the UW has an opportunity to offer a solution.