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Minnesota prisons are full: Build more prisons, or release more inmates?

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St. Cloud prison
The St. Cloud prison sits on the south side of town. The state Department of Corrections is seeking a new $31 million intake and health care center. The projects is in Gov. Mark Dayton's bonding proposal, but not in one released by the House.
File | MPR Photo | Conrad Wilson

The Minnesota Department of Corrections says the state prisons are full. So full, that the state is paying county jails to house hundreds of inmates.

The capacity shortfall is leading lawmakers and state officials to look at ways to either reduce the number of people we keep imprisoned or expand our facilities.

MPR News with Tom Weber hosts a discussion with Department of Corrections Commissioner Tom Roy;Sen. Ron Latz (DFL-St Louis Park) and Rep. Nick Zerwas (R-Elk River) about the challenge.