Nick Reisman reports for State of Politics that the statewide organization that represents local district attorneys in New York has announced its support of a measure to extend the Tuition Assistance Program to people in prison. The announcement comes as lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul are looking at a range of criminal justice and public safety measures as part of the annual state budget negotiations. The District Attorneys Association of the State of New York said in a statement that an extension of the program for people in prisons could boost public safety. “...Limiting educational opportunities to individuals who are incarcerated does not make our communities safer," according to an association statement. "In fact, correctional education can make our communities safer by reducing recidivism and improving public safety." Hochul this week proposed allowing people in prisons access to tuition assistance with the intention of reducing recidivism and helping people obtain employment after their period of incarceration ends. State lawmakers and Hochul are currently debating a proposed $216 billion spending plan for the coming year. The budget is expected to be approved by next week. Read the full story in nystateofpolitics.com.