I believe the phrase is "Penny wise, pound foolish"

One wonders if some politicians have any memory for history. Apparently, they have no memory of the troubles Michael Dukakis had, or else some ideas would never return from the dead.

At least eight states are considering freeing inmates or sending some convicts to rehabilitation programs instead of prison, according to an Associated Press analysis of legislative proposals. If adopted, the early release programs could save an estimated $450 million in California and Kentucky alone.

A Rhode Island proposal would allow inmates to deduct up to 12 days from their sentence for every month they follow rules and work in prison. Even some violent offenders would be eligible but not those serving life sentences.