Prison board proposes $6.3M in cuts (UALR Public Radio) - The Arkansas Board of Corrections says it will cut its budget by not filling positions, reducing its supplies and delaying the expansion of a unit for prisoners with special medical needs.

The board on Monday approved $6.3 million in cuts from its budget. Gov. Mike Beebe last month ordered a $100 million cut in the state's budget, and agencies must detail their reductions by Tuesday.

The state's revised forecast cut the state prisons budget by $9.1 million, but a spokeswoman said the agency hoped to use part of $40 million in surplus money intended to pay for shortfalls. Beebe hasn't said whether he'll release the surplus money to offset the cuts he ordered.

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