Editorial: Pricey prison phone call plan wrong number for taxpayers

It was a progressive masterstroke: give Massachusetts inmates unlimited, free phone calls. What could go wrong? Two years and more than a few red flags later, the plan has become a costly debacle for taxpayers and a complicated maze for reformers trying to fix it.

The concept was simple: provide prison inmates with unlimited, free phone access to stay connected with families and support networks, with the implicit hope that better communication would aid rehabilitation and reduce recidivism. Yet the practical fallout has been anything but simple or cost-free.

Costs have ballooned as call volumes surged, creating a financial burden that state budgets were not prepared to absorb. Beyond the immediate price tag, the program has raised concerns about who actually benefits. While some inmates and their families express gratitude for the ability to stay in touch, critics question whether the program is a prudent use of public funds, especially given competing priorities in the criminal-justice system.

The situation has exposed gaps in oversight and sustainable planning. There are questions about long-term funding, contract terms, and the degree to which the policy aligns with broader goals like public safety and rehabilitation. Reform advocates urge a careful recalibration: targeted subsidies for those most in need, caps on usage, and stronger accountability measures to ensure that money is spent effectively.

In the meantime, taxpayers are left facing higher costs and less certainty about future expenses. The burden is not only financial; it’s about trust in state stewardship of public resources and the ability to balance compassionate access with fiscal responsibility.

Overall, the Massachusetts experience serves as a cautionary tale about well-intentioned reforms that overlook practical budgeting and oversight. The goal of keeping inmates connected with loved ones remains important, but the path to achieving it must be financially sustainable and tightly managed to avoid repeating costly missteps.

Author’s summary: The Massachusetts free prison phone plan aimed at rehabilitation spiraled into a costly subsidy with weak oversight, prompting calls for targeted, accountable reforms to protect taxpayers while preserving meaningful inmate contact.

Boston Herald — 2025-12-07

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