House GOP wary about early release for model inmates

RICHMOND

Democratic Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's proposal to trim $5 million off the state prisons budget by releasing nonviolent model prisoners early drew tough questions from House Republicans on Friday.

The sometimes icy reception Department of Corrections Director Gene Johnson got from the GOP-dominated Appropriations Committee signals not only rough sledding for Kaine's high-profile initiative but also a law-and-order campaign issue in this fall's gubernatorial and legislative races.

Kaine proposal would accelerate the release of inmates confined for nonviolent offenses who have thrived in prison rehabilitation programs from 30 days before their sentences end to 90 days.

The powerful budget-writing panel took no vote on the early release proposal. Its decision will be reflected in its rewrite of the state's master spending blueprint due Feb. 8.

The governor also ordered the closing of some older state prisons that were among the most costly to maintain and operate in his austere revisions to the 2009-2010 budget last month. Coping with a fiscal crisis that's $3 billion to $4 billion in scope and growing dominates the 2009 General Assembly.

Johnson said the accelerated release could free up more than 1,000 beds in the state's crowded jails and penitentiaries. The recidivism rate for those inmates would be no worse if they're freed 60 days earlier, he said.

Del. Beverly J. Sherwood, R-Frederick County, said she feared the proposal could weaken Virginia's 15-year-old truth-in-sentencing law. It was part of the popular parole abolition reforms of Republican former Gov. George Allen and a point of GOP pride since.

"We hope we can turn these people around and keep them from coming back," said Johnson, who worked his way up from a prison warden to agency chief in 43 years with the Corrections Department. "As I see it, this is more of an incentive than an early release."

Del. Robert Tata, R-Virginia Beach, disputed the administration's assumption that releasing the inmates earlier would allow them to find work and become contributing members of society sooner. The worst economy in decades has left experienced, highly trained professionals unable to find jobs after layoffs, he said, and was skeptical that newly released inmates would fare even as well.

Del. Clark Hogan, R-Halifax, said he was disappointed that the estimated savings were no greater than $5 million.

"I believe these are more of a one-time savings," Johnson said. "To get real savings, we've got to slow down the pipeline (of new convicts) coming in."

Even one Democrat raised concerns. Del. Clarence "Bud" Phillips of Dickenson County pressed for — and got — assurances from Johnson that felons convicted of violent crime would not be eligible for the program. His district is home to the maximum-security Red Onion state prison.