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Governor Lee doubles down on criminal justice reform efforts

Just a week after the inauguration, the new Tennessee governor reiterated one of his main campaign talking points.

NASHVILLE, Tennessee — Today marks one full week since Governor Bill Lee took the Oath of Office.

One of his main talking points at the inauguration was criminal justice reform.

The new governor has already put that commitment in black and white on his official website. The page says Lee will "work to make sure those who are incarcerated are prepared to re-enter society, not re-enter prison."

Governor Lee also says he's not concerned about private companies running prisons in Tennessee.

According to The Associated Press, Lee says he told his budget team to find cost savings inside the Department of Correction. 

That request did not specify considering cuts to private prisons.

Lee also says he hasn't noticed a budget concern yet, and will keep an eye on that spending.

WSMV in Nashville reports the private-run prisons will cost the state over $176,000,000 next year.

Tennessee has four private prisons --all managed by a Nashville-based company. 

 

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