Prisons and jails siphon money from incarcerated people by making them pay for communication services and basic essentials at the commissary, then put the revenue into so-called “Inmate Welfare Funds.” But how are these funds used? Our report Shadow Budgets finds that all too often, welfare funds go to pay for capital projects like prison construction, are spent on essential items for incarcerated people, or are left to accrue as slush funds. In detailed data tables, we uncover how welfare funds in 49 prison systems are accrued, overseen — and frequently misused.
Learn about the national prison crisis and how we can begin to turn the tide on mass incarceration. Then, drill down to your state. Be sure to also check out our pages focused on D.C., and the incarceration of Native people.
If our work is new to you, you might want to check out our 2022-2023 annual report.
Not near you?
Invite us to your city, college or organization.