Oklahoma Department of Corrections Budget Increase in Oklahoma FY19 budget

McGill

Tiffanie McGill

English Comp II

Brenda Straub

2/14/18

Oklahoma Department of Corrections Budget Increase in Oklahoma FY19 budget

Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC) is an agency of the Oklahoma state. This State Government Agency is set to protect the public and intensify the safety of the people, promote a working environment which is safe for the staff and encourage a positive change in the behavior of the offender by fostering reentry and rehabilitation program.

The state of Oklahoma is undergoing the longstanding budget crisis. “The Oklahoma Department of Corrections Director Joe Allbaugh reported: $1.5 billion for the upcoming fiscal year, an increase of slightly more than $1 billion from the last year.” (Hoberock 1) This request for grant includes the funding for two new medium security prisons, mental health program, and substance abuse programs. This request includes a budget of $107 million for repairing its facilities and $10 million to give raises to its employees. According to Director Joe M. Allbaugh, this budget demonstrates their current wants and needs. Funding the Oklahoma Department of Corrections is a necessary action and would enhance the facilities and services that are offered. Oklahoma struggles to locate the necessary funding for State Agencies. Currently the State Legislator and Governor of Oklahoma are examining all aspects of the State’s financial avenues. What areas of the Department of Corrections that are demanding attention to be resolved? What are the consequences of the underfunding of the Department of Corrections? Is the lack of funding contributing to the over population of the Prison System? What could prosper with the proper funding and how could this benefit Oklahoman’s.

The State of Oklahoma should fund the department because of the following tangible reasons. Firstly, in accordance to Page (G 2017), the directors of the ODOC Joe M. Allbaugh requested for funding of 1 billion dollars about the needs which the department had. These funds are meant for maintenance and repairs of the institution. Most of the state prisons are old and aging and this necessitates a significant repair or renovation from locks which are broken, cell doors, roofing and security cameras (Page, G 2017). Another state prison requires new sewer system, repairs of the roads and efficient lighting while Jackie Brannon Correctional facilities need a water treatment plant to comply with the quality standards of the state department.

References

Page, G. (2017). Department of Corrections requesting $1B increase in state funding. Guthrie News Page. Retrieved 30 January 2018, from http://guthrienewspage.com/2017/11/department-of-corrections-requesting-1b-increase-in-state-funding/

Zoukis, C. (2013). Correctional Budget Cuts and Potential Solutions. Prison Education. Retrieved from http://Correctional Budget Cuts and Potential Solutions