"Obviously the crime rate has something to do with [the rise in the prison population]", [Steve Van Dyne] said. In the 1970s, "tough on crime" movements led to greater incarceration for a variety of offenses, and the prison population rose.

"That made a big change," Van Dyne said. "We really began to hammer the more serious offenders."

"At this time, the governor is focused on preparing the state's budget in the context of the very, very challenging budgetary environment that we're facing," [Keith Dailey] said. "This is something that is under review within that context."

Bills