OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma lawmakers have yet to respond to a request from the Department of Corrections for additional funding, leaving the DOC worried that the day may come when it cannot accept any more inmates.
Corrections spokesman Jerry Massie says state prisons are near capacity and the backlog of inmates waiting in county jails has only grown since January when the funding request was made.
Department Director Justin Jones told legislators he needed $6 million immediately or the state wouldn't be able to take any more county jail inmates. Some counties, including Oklahoma County, are also at their capacity for inmates.
Governor Mary Fallin has not proposed supplemental funding for the department. She has suggested a $1 million annual budget increase for the DOC - which asked for a $60 million increase.
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Posted: 05/08/13 - The Sherman Public Library is very excited about our upcoming Summer Reading Club for children and teens. Children ages birth-11 can Dig into Reading and join the Youth Summer Reading Club. The theme for the Teen Summer Reading Club this year is Beneath the Surface and it is open to teens ages 12-18. Read More
Posted: 05/07/13 - DURANT, Okla. – Regent Terry Matlock will deliver remarks at Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s Spring Commencement, scheduled for Saturday, May 11, at Paul Laird Field. The ceremony (for all schools) will begin at 10 a.m. A reception will follow at 11:30 a.m. in the Visual & Performing Arts Center. Read More
Posted: 05/06/13 - SHERMAN, TEXAS—Members of the Austin College Class of 2013 are counting down the days until graduation—with both excitement and trepidation. Austin College President Marjorie Hass will present diplomas to more than 340 bachelor’s degree candidates and 18 Master of Arts in Teaching degree candidates who will take part in graduation events May 18 and 19 on campus. Read More
