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| Budget crunch could slow return of prisoners |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 01/21/2002 |
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Wisconsin kept fewer of its inmates in other state prisons in 2001 than in the previous year, but a budget shortfall could slow efforts to bring back the remaining prisoners. State Rep. Scott Walker has suggested delaying the opening of several new correctional facilities, including a 750-bed prison in New Lisbon, to save money. It also would delay the return of Wisconsin inmates in other states. Gov. Scott McCallum, plans to send a state budget repair bill this month to the Legislature. The state is facing a shortfall that could top $1.3 billion because of slowing tax collections. Lawmakers argue that keeping inmates closer to home helps them stay out of prison once they're released and helps the state's economy. The state had 3,582 inmates in out-of-state cells last year, compared with 4,659 by the end of 2000. Walker wants to return prisoners but said the state needs to cut spending to avoid a shortfall. His proposal would save $14.5 million, he said. The state started shipping its inmates to other states in 1996 because it had no room for its surging prison population. Former Gov. Tommy G. Thompson urged McCallum to bring back all state prisoners by early 2003. That time frame was unrealistic, many lawmakers said. Corrections Secretary Jon Litscher said Wisconsin might have all its inmates back home by mid-2005 as long as the state's prison population remains around 21,000 and new prisons open. 'It's a goal of the department to bring back our offenders for reasons around the whole concept of family contact and more effective rehabilitation,' Litscher said. |
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