Monday, March 8, 2010
With lawmakers looking to cut back on the state budget, many departments are preparing to slim down. State Senator Victor Crist of Tampa says the Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Committee is trying to find a balance between saving money and keeping civilians safe. He says no cuts are final right now, but they are expecting less funding despite an increase in the prison population. He says some states have used early release programs to slim their bugdet, but this is not something Florida will do. He says they are focusing more on getting inmates who may suffer an addiction or mental disorder in to the proper facilities. He says they may also cut back on recreational equiptment spending and vacant positions while expanding work release programs.