|
|
| Budget Woes Lead to Pay Cuts for Colo. Inmates |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 05/21/2003 |
|
Wages for prison inmates are dropping to help the Colorado Department of Corrections save more than $1 million amid state budget woes. Inmates began learning Monday that unemployed prisoners will make 23 cents a day while working inmates, some of whom made up to $2 daily, will make 60 cents a day, said Nolin Renfrow, director of prisons for the department. Because most inmates earn more than 60 cents a day, many inmates will be receiving a pay cut, Renfrow said. The two-tier pay system simplifies the former system of six pay grades. 'The inmates probably had a sense it was coming and it is probably not news to them that the state is having budget problems,' Renfrow said. Inmate pay goes toward restitution for victims of their crimes, child support and funds to help inmates' spouses with expenses. 'Some states have completely abolished the inmate pay, so that begs the question, why pay inmates at all,' Renfrow said. 'If we don't pay the inmates, we will be required to provide hygiene items and necessities that average 23 cents a day, so the pay keeps them from becoming indigent.' The pay cuts for inmates come on the heels of efforts to reduce Corrections Department staff by 800 employees. The department has kept an average of 40 vacant positions unfilled each month during the past year and has offered early retirement to about 100 employees. It notified about 150 employees they will be laid off come June 30. |
advertise
|
privacy policy
|
add URL
|
about us
|
terms/disclaimer
|
contact us
|
join our team
|
help
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think