Seems as though today`s society believes that money will prevent people from making poor choices.  Running a red light can cost you several hundreds of dollars, every mistake you make seems to have a monetary consequence, with this in mind......Why not charge inmates a monetary fee for their stay in "government housing"?  Thinking a nice $40/day figure wold be something better than nothing to offset the high costs of maintaining these individuals. Why should they recieve free meals, free helth care, dental and have access to many crafts, perks, etc. that the normal citizens can`t afford?  I f they can`t afford the $40/day, set it up like a student loan, whereas after they are "reabilitated" and out serving society once again, they can pay the loan back!  Seems like this idea would save all of us taxpayers alot of money and help provide the prison system with more funds to expand.  Maybe a financial burden will keep people too from commiting crimes?  Roger