Idaho prisons mulling 20 percent budget boost

Top officials with the Idaho Department of Correction are considering telling state lawmakers they need a nearly 20 percent budget increase to fund beds, staff and services for the state’s growing prison population.

The three-member state Board of Correction discussed the budget proposal Tuesday, but held off from finalizing their request until later this year.

The board was presented with two different options, with the more expensive proposal including a request for $19.7 million for a 100-bed expansion at the St. Anthony Work Camp and building a new community re-entry center in north Idaho.

In total, that option would jump the Department of Correction’s budget to $321.3 million. That’s up from the current $272.2 million.

During the last budget-setting cycle, the department asked lawmakers for a 7 percent budget increase.