State Democrats renew call for hefty increase in prison funding

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Nearly 80 prison guards joined Democratic lawmakers Wednesday in calling for an increase in funding to hire more correctional officers.<br/><br/>The lawmakers say a recent outbreak

Thursday, May 5th 2005, 6:14 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Nearly 80 prison guards joined Democratic lawmakers Wednesday in calling for an increase in funding to hire more correctional officers.

The lawmakers say a recent outbreak of fights and stabbings in prisons is because of a shortage of guards.

The Department of Corrections is asking for an extra $12-million this year to fully staff state prisons.

State Representative Ryan Kiesel says the department is short nearly 600 guards and Representative Joe Sweeden calls the shortage is a "ticking time bomb" that could explode.

Representative Jari Askins says Republican leaders in the House have prevented Democrats from amending an appropriations bill to put in extra money for hiring more guards.

The House budget subcommittee dealing with prison costs is headed by Republican Representative John Trebilcock, who said no decisions on funding have been made.

Trebilcock says public safety is a priority but resources are limited.

He says he's looking for creative solutions to reducing costs at state prisons.