Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 28, 1993 TAG: 9307280156
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: WARREN FISKE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Short
In addition, Allen estimated that it would cost taxpayers between $60 million and $119 million a year to keep additional criminals in prison once parole is abolished.
During an afternoon news conference, Allen expressed confidence that he could implement the program without breaking his pledge not to raise taxes. Allen proposed that the state borrow money to build new prisons by selling general obligation bonds.
Because voters must approve any issuance of general obligation bonds, Allen's plan in effect would require a referendum on abolishing parole.
Allen said the $60 million to $119 million a year in added prison maintenance could be financed by cutting waste and "making new priorities" in state spending. He declined to be more specific.
Allen's figures were considerably less than what the state Board of Corrections has estimated it would cost to end parole. The board recently said the state would need between $1.1 billion and $2.7 billion to build new prisons and an additional $455 million a year to maintain prisoners.
Allen said the board's calculations are inflated.
Under Virginia's parole plan now, violent offenders often serve only one-sixth of their sentences. In addition to eliminating parole, Allen has proposed that the state tighten its program for giving offenders time off their sentences for good behavior.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB