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Kentucky governor makes case for criminal-justice reforms

Beshear says the state needs to reduce incarceration rates, which in turn would create opportunities to consolidate prisons.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has intensified his push for a criminal-justice overhaul. 

The governor said Friday that rising inmate populations and crumbling prisons are sapping the state of money needed for education and health care. 

Beshear says the state needs to reduce incarceration rates, which in turn would create opportunities to consolidate prisons. 

He calls it the “fiscally responsible thing to do." He's calling for bipartisan discussions with state lawmakers. 

Cost increases to maintain corrections operations are estimated to exceed $115 million through the fiscal year 2022.

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