New Funding For Community Corrections Shrinks In Senate Budget Proposal

Community corrections funding in the Senate Republican budget proposal is lower than the House budget, but Senate budget architect Luke Kenley says it’s the right number.

The Senate GOP budget appropriates $56 million in new funding for community correction programs at the local level.  The House GOP budget had set aside $80 million.  But Kenley says, after consulting with community corrections officials, probation officers and the Department of Correction, he believes $56 million will fully fund local needs. 

And, with $30 million more for mental health and addiction treatment, Portage Sen. Karen Tallian says that’s one part of the budget Democrats can support.

“We’re very happy to see the financial commitment to the community corrections and mental health and addition programs,” Tallian said.

The Senate budget does not include new money for the Department of Correction, despite what the agency says is a need to expand state prisons.  Kenley says he’s not convinced.

“Historically, there’ve been a number of times that the DOC, over the last 20 years since I’ve been here, has asked for new beds and it hasn’t turned out that they’ve actually needed them,” Kenley said.

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the budget bill. It now heads to the Senate floor.