WHEN PRISONERS GET SICK

As the full impact of tougher sentencing laws for convicted felons settle in, there are some side effects that probably weren't well thought out as legislatures approved longer and, in some cases, mandatory prison terms.

For example, inmates generate expenses beyond housing needs, food and clothing. They also get sick. The Cape Girardeau County Jail is feeling the impact of more prisoners and higher medical costs. So far this year the county's $40,000 budget to pay for prisoners' medical care has been exceeded. While the medical charges are reasonable and in line with ordinary medical fees, there are simply more prisoners to treat.

Not only are Missourians and Americans across the country feeling the pinch of costly new prisons, they are also beginning to realize some of the associated costs produced by a rapidly growing inmate population.