The vocational training that inmates receive in New York state correctional facilities is a program well worth its price tag. The very term correctional means something has to be done to fundamentally transform inmates into law-abiding, productive citizens; otherwise, without serious rehabilitation, what we have is lip service.

Money spent teaching vocational trades - electrical, plumbing, masonry, carpentry, and maintenance, etc. - is money saved, because it provides the skills people need upon release to earn an honest income and secure a place at the economic table, instead of falling back into crime and time behind bars which is a burden and an expense for society.

BOCES and other institutions that prepare youths for jobs also need support.

Funding here is about preventive measures, since young students are at risk of dropping out and falling in to crime.

There is currently a critical shortage of people who can perform these crafts.

In these uncertain times, with a state budget deficit looming, I passionately exhort our elected officials to spare career and vocational education from the chopping block.

Any budget damage done to these programs is certainly a step backward.

Richard DeSocio

Auburn