Studies have shown that inmate participation in education, vocational and job training, prison work skills development, drug abuse, mental health and other treatment programs, all reduce recidivism, significantly.

We live in an information and knowledge-based economy.

We can continue our progress as a Nation toward the promise that all people are created equal and that our Nation will treat every person in that spirit.

While there are many obstacles that deter students from going to college, finances by no means should be the deciding factor.

Obviously, there has to be a profound change in direction. Otherwise, interest on the national debt will start eating up virtually every penny that we have.

No one should be denied the opportunity to get an education and increase their earning potential based solely on their inability to pay for a college education.

In the Brown decision, the United States Supreme Court unanimously struck down the legal and moral footing of racially segregated public education in this country.