Wyoming Struggling To Pay For More Inmates

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming's increasing incarceration rate is driving up prison costs at a time when the state is coping with a budget shortfall.

Officials say most of those being put in prison are there for nonviolent crimes, including drunken driving, drug possession, shoplifting or burglary.

According to the Casper Star-Tribune , options to deal with the issue include reforming criminal sentencing laws or spend nearly $20 million to update or expand prisons.

Researchers point out that over a five year period, Wyoming's crime rate dropped 24 percent, while the state's incarceration rate grew by 7 percent.