State prison funding plan would increase correctional officers' pay

State corrections officers are speaking out about a prison guard shortage. They say it&#39;s severe, with the state 600 guards short. <br/><br/>State Democrats are pushing a new $10-million plan to add

Thursday, July 14th 2005, 2:39 pm

By: News On 6


State corrections officers are speaking out about a prison guard shortage. They say it's severe, with the state 600 guards short.

State Democrats are pushing a new $10-million plan to add guards and increase their pay. But the debate over when to vote on the plan is already heating up. Governor Brad Henry wants it on a special session agenda. Republican leaders say it can wait until next year.

The people in charge of securing the state's prisons say, the crisis is now. Conner Correctional Center officer DeWayne Jones: "there is definitely a problem, it’s probably as worse as I've ever seen it as long as I've been here. They're doing a good job there's just not enough of em."

The Democratic plan would add 150 more guards, 50 parole officers, and boost the starting salary by $3,000.
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