Tax payers. We wouldn't even have to increase taxes, we just have to cut other related programs.

It'd be expensive, but it could at least be done for some convicts. We could take all the money we waste on the war on drugs and use it to try to help violent criminals, people who are actually a threat to society. We could also downsize the military a bit. And the government in general.

Without the current absurd policy on drugs the prison population would be reduced by 1/4, immediately. Crime would also decrease over time because of this because illegal drug trade would no longer fund gangs.

I don't think we can just switch right over and do that for all convicts, but we could gradually move towards a more sensible, compassionate and effective method of dealing with crime.

Makes more sense than me paying for other people's health-care.