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| ... prison, jails costs face budget obstacles |
| By RONNIE ELLIS CNHI News Service |
| Published: 02/19/2009 |
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FRANKFORT — Three years have passed since state Auditor Crit Luallen said, “Kentucky’s taxpayers are paying too much for county jails.” It’s been a year since lawmakers in Frankfort and Gov. Steve Beshear said it’s time to get serious about corralling runaway prison and jail costs. Not much has changed. Jails run a cumulative operating deficit of $130 million. The state corrections budget approaches $450 million. And attempts in last year’s state budget to reduce costs by allowing state felons to receive credit toward completion of their sentences of previously served parole, education and good behavior are tied up in courts. The Kentucky County Judge/Executives Association has sued for more funding. But as Rep. Robin Webb, D-Grayson, says: “Where’s the money going to come from?” Webb is sympathetic; she’s one of the lawmakers who have tried to find ways to reduce costs by seeking alternative sentencing, allowing release after calculating parole credits, and supporting treatment programs for substance abusers. But she isn’t optimistic the state can help the counties with their jail costs during a recession and state budget crisis. Read more. If link has expired, check the website of the article's original news source. |
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