State lawmakers call for agreement on corrections funding

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Lawmakers are renewing calls to resolve a prison funding crisis after agreeing to set aside $17- million to celebrate Oklahoma's 100th birthday.<br/><br/>State House Republicans

Friday, December 16th 2005, 6:15 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Lawmakers are renewing calls to resolve a prison funding crisis after agreeing to set aside $17- million to celebrate Oklahoma's 100th birthday.

State House Republicans accused Senate Democrats Thursday of political posturing over a shortage of correctional officers and other staff at state prisons. Authorities say prisons are short nearly 600 guards and almost 40 pardon and parole positions.

But Senator Kenneth Corn says the Senate approved a solution when it met in special session in August and gave prisons an extra $11-million to hire more guards and increase their pay.

Governor Brad Henry and legislative leaders announced a centennial funding plan on Wednesday. It was part of the same expanded special session call as prison funding.