November 13, 2009 - WJHG, Channel 7, Panama City BeachA plan to release 5,000 prisoners to help make up for a projected 2.6 billion dollar budget shortfall is being discussed by lawmakers. The plan arose after the Florida Department of Corrections was asked to draft a budget with 10 percent fewer dollars.
The likelihood of prisoners being released is low, but finding money to keep them locked up could lead to more [correctional officer] layoffs.
Tonight in Florida 100,000 people will go to sleep in a state prison cell. But a 2.6 billion dollar budget shortfall could mean a get-out-of-jail-free card for 5,000 inmates. The proposal comes as Florida’s Department of Corrections looks for ways to cut 224 million dollars from its budget.
Granting early release to prisoners who served 85 percent of their sentences would be the biggest money saver. The state could save 117 million dollars by letting those prisoners out 90 days early.
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I wouldn't call it a "get of of jail free card." Many many many of these people have been over sentenced by the ridiculous mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines in this state that locks up non violent drug offenders for FAR too long costing tax payers billions!
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