David Lombardo reports in Capitol Confidential that two prisons will be closed in New York under the current budget deal being negotiated in Albany. “While no prisons have been specifically named, communities statewide will have to wait with bated breath to find out if a critical part of their economy will be shuttered,” Assemblyperson D. Billy Jones said in February. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said then that prisons “are not a jobs program” and said the closures were “reversing the era of mass incarceration.” Cuomo wanted to close three prisons to save $35 million a year. Under the reported deal, Cuomo has one year to announce two closings, and must give legislative leaders 90 days notice before any closures. Read the full story in Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.