INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Mike Pence’s proposal for expanding two state prisons is drawing skepticism from some legislative leaders as it comes just months after Indiana’s criminal sentencing laws changed in part to reduce the need for more prison space.
An alternative plan with bipartisan support in the Indiana House calls for directing $50 million more a year toward counties for work release and other local programs as they are expected to more low-level offenders under the sentencing overhaul.
Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma said increased funding for local programs is “critical” under the sentencing revisions that went into effect in July.