State lawmakers, guards call for special session on prison funding

Thursday, November 10th 2005, 5:42 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Democrats and state Department of Corrections officers are again calling for Republicans in the state House to agree to a special session to provide funding for state prisons.

Thursday's call by Representative Jari Askins comes after two racially motivated fights this week among inmates at the Oklahoma State Reformatory in Granite. Eight inmates were injured but no guards are said to be hurt.

Republican House Speaker Todd Hiett has said he believes the issue can wait and be addressed when the regular session begins in February.

Prison officials say the prison is now under lockdown and all weekend visitations are canceled.