That's roughly the number of Americans behind bars, according to a new study.  For African-American men between the ages 20 and 34, that figure is one in nine.  We can do better, and we need leadership that will make this a priority. 

To be honest, I was shocked when I read the report, One in 100: Behind Bars in America 2008, produced by the non-partisan Pew Center on the States. 

One in nine?  Could this be accurate?  According to the raw figures provided for the report by the states and by the Department of Justice, it is. 

Tennessee's prison population has grown dramatically between 2006 and 2008 - a whopping 4.6%.  The burden on the state's budget and taxpayer wallets is on the rise; and the report is a wake up call for state and federal lawmakers to examine how and why this is happening. 

As Memphis' Congresswoman, I'll make reversing this trend a priority.  Our choices aren't limited to being "soft" or "tough" on crime.  Few would argue against violent or habitual criminals being behind bars.  We can be tough, but we can be smart as well.

We must have a change in leadership that views the explosion of our prison and jail population as a crisis for our cash-strapped local and state governments.

Too many Memphis neighborhoods live with an endless cycle of incarceration, release and return to prison.  Tennessee needs reforms that will identify which offenders should truly be in jail, which offenses can be handled in the community and programs that help lawbreakers and troubled kids stay out of trouble after the first offense. 

Congress should take the lead and we need a Representative that will work with our state's community leaders and prison officials for real change and provide hope and opportunity for every Memphis neighborhood ready to end this vicious cycle.

The report is worth a look, and you can find a copy by clicking here.