$12 Million Deleted from Prison Contract Beds Appropriations
The committee adopted Gov. Doyle's recommendation to delete $4,314,300 GPR in 2005-06 and $7,827,300 GPR in 2006-07 related to in-state and out-of-state contract beds, and transfer $500,500 GPR annually from purchase of service funding to contract bed funding.
In addition, the State Building Commission and the Department of Corrections were directed to prepare a 10-year facilities strategic plan for the correctional facilities. The plan will be funded from the building trust.
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In a related motion, the committee voted 11-5 to provide annual GPR funding of $1.5 million for in-state and out-of-state prison contract beds. The funding was placed in the JFC's supplemental appropriation.
Sen. Russ Decker said the money would be better spent on Badgercare and school aids, not making prisoners more comfortable. "I don't have a lot of sympathy for folks who break the law," Decker said.
While he said he agreed with Decker's sentiments, Fitzgerald said, "We have a responsibility certainly to the corrections officers who work in these institutions to provide them a safe environment."
