A second round of hearings on the Department of Corrections budget is scheduled for May 7 in the Public Safety Subcommittee of Ways and Means. The subcommittee is chaired by Rep. Chip Shields.

We think that the subcommittee will approve a number of items that will improve the DOC’s ability to offer services and evidence-based programs inside prisons. The subcommittee has already agreed to add more mental health staff and to increase the pay rate for drug and alcohol treatment providers (to cut down on turnover).

The budget also includes the first new drug and alcohol treatment beds in the last 7,000 beds that were built. There should also be a special budget note that will authorize the DOC to increase cognitive education programs as we continue to look for smart, cost-effective ways to reduce recidivism [0].