Why won't lawmakers overhaul the prison system?

Almost everyone is aware that prisons do not rehabilitate. In fact, people can actually go there to "perfect" their trade. When they are released after doing their time, society is more at risk than before in many cases (Pelican Bay for example)...because our society has helped to create a "better" criminal. Current day prisons are a bet a quick fix, a band-aid solution. Drug abusers need special care clinics to cure their addictions yet many individuals incarcerated have been sent to prison for drug related crimes. When will we actually find an effective and efficient solution?

Because they're profitable just the way they are.

Yes, I know that sounds odd, but when I say "profitable" I'm not talking about the value to American citizens. The prison industry has become quite a formidable force, and it provides politicians with the excuse to reach into our pockets in the name of protecting us from our neighbors, many of whom have committed no real crime. The current system fuels an entire industry, helps maintain the status quo of government control over the public, and provides political traction.

I think that solution is almost here. Every four years more candidates with actual reform policies run for president and senate. Eventually the rest of America will smarten up and elect these people.
...they'll have to. We're running out of room.

Unions.....the system is a complete failure and needs to be reworked.
The guards only concern is pay and the unions job is to intimidate the govt into thinking they have the upperhand.

prison should be punishment, take away all of their fun stuffs. No TV no work out equipment and the food should be HORRIBLE, also make them work

The prison system is not to rehabilitate offenders its to punishment. A lot of prisoners have been given numerous chance to have a community based punishment IE probation. However some people will not use that opportunity and will return to court and eventually back to prison. Also a lot of drug users DELIBERATELY try to into prison as its a way to detox and get healthy. In prison there are a lot of programmes to help aid rehabilitation, however you can lead a horse to the water but you cannot force them to drink it.