Rauner says he wants more prison guards, changes to parole

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Gov. Bruce Rauner wants to hire more prison guards, reform the parole system and invest in a state program that keeps non-violent offenders out of prison.

Rauner said in his first State of the State speech Wednesday that hiring more correctional officers would make prisons safer.

He also says he wants to continue to invest in a program known as Adult Redeploy. It helps fund programs that divert non-violent offenders to community-based programs, rather than sending them to prison.

The Winnetka Republican hasn't said how his administration would pay for the additional employees, or how much the new hires would add to the state payroll.

That's a concern for some lawmakers because Illinois is facing a multibillion-dollar budget hole.

Rauner is expected to lay out his proposed budget Feb. 18.