State Looks Into Releasing Prisoners to Balance Budget

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By Eric White

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee Department of Correction officials offered up the unthinkable in an effort to help balance the state's budget.

Department of Correction Commissioner George Little presented a plan to Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen that would call for the early release of 4,000 prison inmates if approved.

“This isn't scare tactics,” Little said during a budget hearing on Capital Hill.

The Corrections commissioner said the move would cut 9%, or $50 million, from the agency's budget.

“That could impact public safety,” Little added.

Victim's rights advocates agree.

“You're going to have people's lives devastated indefinitely,” said Verna Wyatt, executive director of You Have the Power.

Wyatt suggests Tennessee lawmakers consider other cuts before slashing the Department of Correction budget.

Governor Bredesen has asked every state agency to prepare for a 9% budget cut to make up for a $1.5 billion budget shortfall.

When it comes to the option of releasing prison inmates early, Governor Bredesen said, “I obviously am not interested in turning hardened criminals out on the street.”

Tennessee state lawmakers will make the final budget decisions next spring.

Email: ewhite@newschannel5.com