Prison chief proposes early releases to save money

By Jim Davenport - The Associated Press COLUMBIA -- South Carolina's prison director said Thursday he has prepared plans to deal with a budget shortfall in part by releasing inmates early if the legislature approves. Corrections Department Director Jon Ozmint told the state's budget oversight board he has drafted legislation that would have lawmakers order early releases and close prisons. Ozmint said the prison system has implemented big and small cost-saving measures that will help it operate without losing more money as costs rise for things he has a difficult time controlling, such as health care. A $14.5 million deficit would be $2 million higher without those moves, including reducing inmates' allowance for postage stamps to two a month instead of five and releasing inmates with enough prescription drugs to last five... [read full story]