Legislature approves prison funding

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The Legislature voted Monday to pump another $9.8-million into the state's prison system. <br><br>But lawmakers say something needs to be done to cut the Corrections Department's

Monday, November 18th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The Legislature voted Monday to pump another $9.8-million into the state's prison system.

But lawmakers say something needs to be done to cut the Corrections Department's high cost. Prison spending rose from $172-million in 1994 to more than $407-million this year.

Meeting in a special session, the House and Senate voted to appropriate emergency funds to prevent the planned furlough of state prison guards.

Prison officials wanted to place its workers on unpaid furlough for 23 days to save money. Others said that might jeopardize public safety.

Senator Frank Shurden of Henryetta was the only lawmaker to vote no. Shurden says the state needs to cut corrections spending, not increase it.