Ritter Says Save Money by Investing in Programs

In proposals submitted to the Joint Budget Committee, Ritter asked for $8 million for the year starting July 1, which is projected to save $3.2 million immediately by reducing the number of inmates sent to private prisons. Ritter's plan is expected to save an additional $11 million in the long term.

"We're very excited to see the governor move in this direction," said Christie Donner, of the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition. "We think he's right on to look at reducing recidivism and revocations in probation and parole." Ritter must cut Colorado's explosive growth in inmates or spend $800 million on new prisons in the next five years.

It also meets a request from the legislative budget committee's Rep. Bernie Buescher, D-Grand Junction, for measurable goals. For example, a $1 million investment in more community corrections capacity is expected to save $2 million over two years because graduates of community corrections return to prison half as often.

Rocky Mountain News