http://www.counterpunch.org/yoshioka05062005.html
Erin Yoshioka
"The financial burden the three-strikes law is incredible. 'Since the law was implemented in 1994, the 10-year sum of nonviolent offenders is costing and will cost the state more than $4.7 billion,' according to a study by the Justice Policy Institute. Taxpayers spend about $30,000 a year to imprison each person, including medical care. This amount increases with the age of each prisoner. People over the age of 55 cost approximately $50,000 to 75,000 a year to incarcerate. "
