The department looks to find $10 million dollars in savings, and it could involve releasing non-violent offenders early. Also, the increased visibility of Vermont’s Chief Justice, and an update on the wool market.
The
Corrections commissioner supports closing the prison in St. Johnsbury, even
though there’s been a public outcry against the plan. Commissioner
Andy Pallito says the department has already cut 100 or more staff positions,
and is closing two Probation and Parole offices.
Two lawmakers who serve on the Corrections Oversight Committee join us on the next Vermont Edition to look at the capacity and budget of our Corrections Department. Also, why Vermont is one of two states that lets prisoners vote. And guided tour of Burlington’s ghostly haunts.
One potential obstacle to
adjournment of the Legislature was removed today when House and Senate negotiators agreed on the
timetable for a prison reorganization.
Vermont will close one of its prisons and help more prisoners
deal with drug addiction under legislation approved by the Senate today. The
bill passed with bipartisan support. Backers hope it will help slow the rapid growth
in corrections spending.
The Senate has approved legislation that’s aimed at slowing
down the growth of Vermont’s
corrections budget. The legislation restructures the state’s corrections
system and puts more money into programs for non violent inmates.