Early Release Plan For Low-Risk Prisoners Dropped

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Thousands of criminals sitting in California prisons are going to have to stay put.

That's because Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has dropped a plan to release 22,000 low-risk inmates to save money.

The governor proposed the plan in January 2008 but is dropping it from the revised budget he will present to lawmakers on Wednesday.

The governor has sought the early release as part of 10 percent cuts in every state agency.

In February, the Kern County Board of Supervisors sent letters to state officials and legislators in protest of the budget proposal.