Daniel's proposed prison expansions... - Prison Talk

Daniel's proposed prison expansions... - Prison Talk: "Daniels' proposed prison expansions draw doubts
By DEANNA MARTIN
Associated Press Writer


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http://imagec05.247realmedia.com/Rea...lt/empty.gif/0INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Faced with tight budgets and prison overcrowding, states across the nation are considering whether to release prisoners early. But in Indiana, the Daniels administration is looking to add space to existing prisons to help keep the growing number of inmates behind bars.
The lean budget proposed by Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels includes just two new building projects over the next two years - expansions of the Miami Correctional Facility near Peru and the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility near Sullivan. Each would be expanded by 600 beds, and the state would make $3 million in bond payments to cover the $40 million in construction.
Daniels says public safety must be one of government's top priorities.
'We are not going to turn felons out of prison early where they can prey on the public,' Daniels said. 'That's happening in other states, and we're not going to let it happen here.'
Democrats who control the House have questioned whether the prison expansions are really necessary, especially since the proposed budget doesn't contain any new money for K-12 education and would make cuts in many state agencies and higher education. Some say the state should be investing in education and alternative sentencing programs that could help people avoid prison in the first place.
'It's the wrong emphasis,' said Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary. 'We need to rethink what we're doing in this state.'
But Daniels administration officials are ready to make their case for the proje"