The number of people in prison has dropped significantly since Governor Lujan Grisham took office, so it seems that costs to run the prisons should be down. However, since the state decided to convert three prisons from private sector to state-run facilities, costs are increasing even with a declining inmate population; why is that?
Recent reports by an online investigative outlet indicate that since the state took over the prison facilities taxpayers are on the hook for over $200 million in rent, in addition to employee and other costs, over the next 10 years. Read more HERE.