$45 for 16 years of wrongful imprisonment

I just read this story on CNN http://preview.tinyurl.com/ycy4rwe and it has given me creeps. Greg was imprisoned for a murder of prostitute that he did commit and has spent the last 16 years in the prison. Last month, he was exonerated and freed. During the last 16 years he has lost his wife to divorce, lost track of his friends some of whom would not visit him to the jail after being convicted and missed seeing his daughter grow. I have a 1 1/2 year old son and not seeing him for the next 16 years just gives me creeps. Excerpt from the news "When Taylor left prison, the state of North Carolina gave him a $45 check. It was intended to get him a hotel room and back on his feet. The amount makes him laugh." $45 for being wrongfully convicted in a crime and jailed for 16 years. Is this a joke or what? Greg needs help as he says, he cannot stay with his daughter and grandson for the rest of his life. He has been struggling to get a job. I do not know what is more horrifying, the states check or being wrongfully impriosned for 16 years for someone else's crime.

All the best Greg.