The bleeding is over and spending is inching back up under Gov. Doug Ducey’s proposed budget plan, but those who took steep budget cuts last year shouldn’t expect to get much of it back.

Groups of stakeholders dedicated to reducing prison populations urged Gov. Doug Ducey and lawmakers Monday to cancel plans to spend $50 million on new prison beds.

As people of faith, we are united in opposition to any further prison expansion in Arizona. In particular, we are opposed to the practice of incarceration for profit, through contracts with private prison corporations.

Traditionally, Republicans campaign on limiting government, but many introduce one or more bills that would expand government right after they win re-election. It’s done in various ways – establishing a new commission, adding new regulations for an industry, launching a new program, or adding to what has already been established.

A GOP senator is sponsoring a bill that could lead to the release of thousands of prisoners, a proposal that comes as fellow Republicans are calling for fewer prison beds.