Politics and Government Politics and Government
Fri, March 28, 2025

Kansas City residents resist plans to build a new jail with sales tax money: 'Costly and inhumane'


Published on 2025-03-28 08:20:59 - KCUR
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  • Kansas City voters will decide on April 8 whether to renew the public safety sales tax for 20 more years. Officials plan to use the bulk of the money to build a new municipal detention center. Despite concerns about property crime and gun violence,

The article from KCUR discusses the opposition by Kansas City residents to a proposed sales tax increase intended to fund the construction of a new jail. Critics argue that the plan is both costly and inhumane, pointing out that the new facility would not address underlying issues such as mental health, substance abuse, and poverty, which contribute to incarceration rates. Instead of building a new jail, opponents suggest investing in community services, rehabilitation programs, and alternatives to incarceration. They also highlight the potential for the tax to disproportionately affect lower-income residents. The debate reflects broader discussions on criminal justice reform, with many advocating for solutions that focus on rehabilitation rather than mere containment.

Read the Full KCUR Article at:
[ https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2025-03-28/kansas-city-residents-resist-plans-to-build-a-new-jail-with-sales-tax-money-costly-and-inhumane ]