Stateline.org reported yesterday that at least 23 states have ended up cutting the budgets for prisons as a result of the economic crisis. Some of the cuts have been in the form of staff lay offs. The Illinois governor just announced he is laying off 1,000 guards. Some of the cuts are in the form of treating the inmates a little less well (Tennessee is giving prisoners less milk and meat). Other states are cutting back on rehabilitation programs, education services, and other things designed to make the prisoner fit into society when he or she is released. We really don't want them returning to crime. Still other states have released prisoners (because honestly it is very costly to keep someone locked up). To be sure, most of the convicts released are probably nonviolent or perhaps close to being up for parole anyway. But I would hate to think that we are letting the bad go because we are not willing to pay to keep them locked up.