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| DOC cuts could free thousands |
| By waff.com - Jamel Lanee |
| Published: 05/15/2012 |
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MONTGOMERY, AL (WAFF) - Budget cuts to the Alabama Department of Corrections could result in thousands of inmates being turned loose. Lawmakers will have the rest of the regular session to work out the budget issues. The House approved over $300 million dollars for the state's prison system, but the Senate only approved $184 million dollars, which would cut the DOC's budget by $180 million dollars. If lawmakers pass the senate budget, DOC commissioner Kim Thomas said roughly 18-thousand of the 25,500 prisoners in state facilities would be set free. Thomas said under the senate version of the general fund, most of the state's corrections facilities would have to close. The inmates selected to be released would be non-violent and violent inmates. Thomas said, "Those 18,000 creates almost immediate risk to the public and leaves us a rather stagnant 9,000 inmates which is basically taking your death-row, your life without parole." Governor Bentley said the current general fund pending in the legislature is unworkable and the state must find a budget solution that solves both issues in funding corrections and Medicaid. While lawmakers deal with budget cuts, Governor Bentley has already passed a bill allowing inmates to earn money inside the wires. He is hoping the prison work program will generate money for the state. Lawmakers said it will save the budget millions of dollars. The program sets Alabama up to have a prison industry enterprise, which would allow contractors to employ department of correction workers. The work would be done within the walls of the prison and the money earned would help cover inmates court cost, restitution, fines and funds for the victims' families. Read More. |
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