Prison furloughs planned after emergency funds blocked

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The state Corrections Department is preparing to start furloughing prison workers. <br><br>Thursday's move comes after an emergency funding bill stalled in the state House of

Thursday, March 27th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The state Corrections Department is preparing to start furloughing prison workers.

Thursday's move comes after an emergency funding bill stalled in the state House of Representatives.

The House laid over a supplemental appropriations bill that would have meant $9-million for the agency.

Republican House members say the bill was unconstitutional because it provided supplemental funds for more than one purpose.

That's a funding mechanism that the state Supreme Court has struck down in the past.

The emergency money would have allowed the Corrections Department to place workers on six days of unpaid furlough through June 30th.

Without the money, the agency will have to use 23 furlough days.