Alaska's $523M Corrections Budget: Challenges & Solutions

0:00From the Daily News Now Network, this is Anchorage News today. Alaska's governor has proposed a record $523 million budget for the Department of Corrections next fiscal year. That's the biggest ever for the agency, mostly from state general funds to run its 13 prisons in jails with around 2,100, 27 employees. A House Finance Subcommittee recently approved it with few changes. Costs have spiked even though inmate numbers stay steady. The budget covers about 60% for prisons, 20% for health and rehab, and the rest for things like pre-trial services in admin. Officials expect extra federal money too, but staffing and medical bills are the main drivers, with daily costs per inmate averaging $200, $23. Lawmakers heard how vacancies hit 11.5%, forcing overtime and recruitment struggles around the clock. Health care for an aging population with big needs has soared, including surprise cases costing over a million dollars each.

1:01Policy shifts, like tougher sentences from repelling a bill in 2020, plus union deals and retirement hikes, explain much of the growth. The department went over budget last year on all facilities, asking for 20 million more in personnel funds and 3 million for health. They cut a housing unit as ordered, but saw no real savings and population issues. Those blame passed legislative cuts they had to offset. Commissioner Jen Winkleman suggested a task force, or consultant, to review the system with lawmakers and others, though some reps question needing. More groups, she stressed balancing corrections costs, with school funding needs. The budget now heads to the Full House Finance Committee. Support for this episode comes from our sponsor, see the description. What is cooler than cool? A pillow that plays your sound, S-O-L-I. S-O-L-I-P-L-O dot com.