Wisconsin Prison Budget Breaks $1 Billion Mark

MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Corrections is asking for an increase in general-purpose funds for the next two years, which would put the agency’s annual operating budget at more than $1 billion for the first time.

The increase of $247 million is needed to address rising costs associated with the new law for tracking sex offenders.

In the original presentation of the budget for the GPS system used to track sex offenders, the program was estimated to cost $3.5 million every two years. The GPS bill will actually cost about $23.7 million in its first two years, and gradually increase as the number of offenders being released increases, according to reports.

Rep. Scott Suder (R-Neenah) affirms that the department is expecting offenders to assist in covering a portion of the costs.

By enhancing the penalties against sex offenders, the number of beds needed to house them will increase and is expected to cost as much as $3.7 million.

Other rising costs for the department include the need to contract with other counties for additional beds and expanded health care for the increasing number of aging inmates.