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Governor Andrew Cuomo, a New York Democrat, has backed away from a plan to use state funds for college programs in prisons. Cuomo and New York State's legislative leaders wrapped up work on a budget plan this week without funds for the effort, Gannett reported. At a press conference Tuesday, Governor Cuomo said that the plan would start up, but with private funds paying for it. "There was a feeling, primarily in the Senate, that we should not be using public funds to provide college courses in prison, that many families are struggling to pay for college and we shouldn't be using public funds to provide college courses in prison. I understand the sentiment. I don't agree with it, but I understand it and I understand the appearance of it," Cuomo said. The governor had argued that his original plan would save the state money, by reducing recidivism rates. But Senate Republicans and others opposed the idea from the start.
