1.   Audrey Dismuke of Albany, Ga., says a state Hope Scholarship saved her life.

2.   He said the state could save money by putting many people convicted of nonviolent crimes into drug-treatment programs, which are cheaper than prisons.

3.   He said that while initially such housing might be more expensive, the state would save money on reduced costs of hospitalization and other services.

4.   He said the staff cuts and the prison consolidations had allowed the state to save money.

5.   Holden said that although the state would save money now by not replacing equipment, it could cost more down the road in maintenance.

6.   In addition, some states are saving money for use in a recession.

7.   Meanwhile, the debate continues as to whether the state will save money by closing it.

8.   None of the lawmakers or experts there could say how much the state might save, or even how many prisoners could be sent home to die.

9.   Pataki, a Republican expected to run again next year, has argued that the state should save as much money as possible to hedge against an economic downturn.

10.   Proponents of the measure say the state will save money in fewer medical bills because it would reduce the incidence of tobacco-related illnesses among inmates.