Prison Budget Cuts Could Hurt Wyo. Prison Programs

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Budget cuts of five percent or more would hurt alternative programs in Wyoming's prison system, according to the corrections department.

Department director Robert Lampert briefed lawmakers on Monday about what cuts would be required under different funding scenarios. Lampert said the department could handle a 2 percent cut. However, he said a 5 percent cut would lead to the closure of programs like a Casper substance abuse treatment center for inmates at the end of their sentences.

The Casper Star-Tribune (http://bit.ly/zvSl7h) reported that he said an 8 percent cut would severely impact all alternative programs for prisoners.

The Joint Appropriations Committee has asked all departments to propose how they would handle a range of cuts. State revenue is expected to be flat, mainly because of a drop in natural gas prices.