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Since 1987, corrections spending in Colorado has grown 338 percent, the sixth greatest increase in the nation, according to an economic think tank.The Economic Policy Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization, released data today showing that there is a considerable fiscal strain on states to pay corrections costs.
Idaho topped the list, with corrections spending up by 416 percent between 1987 to 2007. Colorado was sixth with 338 percent, beating out more populous states like Florida and California.
The economic data shows that spending on corrections outpaced that for higher education in every state except Alabama and Virginia.
State spending on higher education has increased 21 percent throughout the country, the study found, while corrections spending has more than doubled, increasing nationally by 127 percent.
