September 8, 2009

It was 1988 and my sister and I lived with my father in a small duplex in Sunnyslope. I'd been locked up in Juvy a couple of times for truancy, incorrigibility, petty theft, and running away from home was a habit for both my sister and I but we had stayed this time.

I'd been enrolled in Royal Palm Jr. High School, but most school days I spent smoking pot, shoplifting and hanging out with neighborhood kids.

Blond Kenny, Red-head Kenny, Cinnamon, Sammy and a few other older teens my sister's age I hung out with, mostly. We were truly a motley, stoned bunch of kids.

One afternoon, on another stoned school day, my sister, me and Sherman (Cinnamon's 18 year old brother) decided to walk to the park on Dunlap and 12th St., so off we went. My sister carried a boom box blaring Ozzy Osborn as the three of us mobbed to the park.

After about 20 minutes I had managed to thoroughly piss off my sister who abruptly stormed off toward home. Like most little brothers, I had fine tuned my ability to push her buttons. A minute or two behind her, Sherman and I followed.

"Hey Shannon, wanna stop and smoke a joint?" Sherman asked me. "Yeah" I responded, as we headed behind a church a block from home.

As soon as we were behind the church, Sherman began to rough house with me. Still a tiny kid it took very little to pin my shoulders to the ground. With Sherman's nearly 200 pounds on top of me, I was completely defenseless. With his knees pinning my shoulders to the ground, I managed to say, "I give", before the first punch landed on my right cheek, instantly blinding me with a bright flash. For what seemed like twenty minutes, I felt blow after blow pound me in the face and head, as he ranted at me "I'll kill you! Stay away from my sister!" over and over and over.

"Look at me!" I heard him yell, as I became conscious. Somehow I had ended up on my stomach, partially curled into a ball, my arms protecting my battered face. "No, you'll kick me" I gurgled through the blood. "Just look at me!" he yelled. Afraid he'd continue his assault, if I didn't, I looked up at him. Although I saw nothing, I felt his hard foot land on my right cheek and everything went black.

I don't know how long I was unconscious. Crawling from behind the church into the parking lot, I was in and out of consciousness. Coming to, I heard my sister yell my name. Looking up, I could barely make out my sister running toward me before passing out again. Again I came to, this time I was being carried by my sister and I could see the fear in her face.

Waking up on the couch at home I could hear my sister talking frantically on the phone about me. I was completely confused, disoriented and afraid. Suddenly my sister looked me in the face, "hang in there Shannon", I heard her say to me. Tears erupted from my swollen eyes and I sobbed hysterically.

I learned later, after I'd returned home from the hospital, that my sister had gone to Sherman's home and hit him in the face. Much of that was hazy for me for many years afterwards. It was a very traumatic experience with consequences that stayed with me throughout my life. I refused to go to school or leave the apartment for a month. I was terrified.

Days later, both Sherman and Cinnamon came knocking numerous times, attempting to apologize, but I couldn't get up the nerve to answer the door. I could only hide just inside the door, my father's shotgun in my hand. Strangely, although I could have shot Sherman in fear, the gun was more for comfort and a brief suicidal thought.

Ironically, it turned out that Cinnamon had lied to her brother about me calling her a slut, not expecting him to nearly kill me.

Over the years, that memory of my sister has stuck with me. I've never doubted that she loves me, even in my worst times. Thank you Big Sis! I love you!

August 17, 2009

Today my best friend stepped through the prison gates. No handcuffs or chains. No guards escorting him. No orange garb. Today Tony became a free man.

For years, other orangemen were amazed that two people so different got along so good. We don't know how or why this is so. It just is. My general pessimism. His general optimism. His strong faith in God. My fragile trust in the intangible and the faith-based. My rocky history. His fruitful history. Our differences are apparent. Yet, we are so well matched and inseparable that is is uncanny.

Contrary to our obvious differences, Tony and I share much in common, and our personalities really compliment each other. He is my first and only male best friend. I've always had female best friends, which for the most part were always emotionally draining. I'm heterosexual, thus heartache was always the result. But I never let many women close to me, let along a guy.

I am happy that Tony has gotten out. I truly am. Unfortunately, he left me here. Although I have friends, none I confide in and can openly communicate with regularly like I did with him. This is two best friends I've lost while in prison. First Pixie, now Tony.

"I'll write you ", "We're still friends", "I won't forget you", are all things I've been told. All bullshit lipservice, which has proved to only irritate me and leave me hurt and jaded. I hope that Tony will be there after my release, and I'll try to trust that he won't forget me and move on without me.

I'll do all I can to make sure Tony succeeds at restarting his life, just as I'll try to give him the benefit of the doubt. I will worry about him, because that's what I do...worry and stress. Similarly, I know he will worry about me.

If you're reading this, Tony, you're my best friend and the brother I never had (or thought I wanted). I've been lucky to have met you and I WILL see you again when my time comes to join you in society. Don't be a stranger and if you need me...I've got your back. Oh yeah, don't forget...I want a small BBQ with a couple of friends. If you bring the vegetables-I'll bring the turkey hotdogs! LOL.

Chris, take care of our friend and help him re acclimate back into society. It's a big culture shock switching instantly from prison life to life outside. I know this from experiencing it first-hand. Keep him busy, even if it's shooting darts every night and karaoke on weekends. Get him some work to do. Try not to suddenly surround him with new people. Socializing immediately with throngs of people after nearly 5 years of prison's social atmosphere is shocking, too. Again, I know this first-hand. It's highly stressful and very uncomfortable. Gradually help him come out of his shell. And finally, teach him how to get online and to locate fantastic websites. Namely mine! LOL.

July 17, 2009

Earlier tonight there was a major power outage at the Manzanita unit. A potentially catastrophic failure.

At around 7 PM, the power on the Manzanita unit went out. No lights. No air. No computerized door locks. No power gates. Nothing! The entire unit went black! Not even a perimeter fence light illuminated the 500 man unit.

Approximately 120 prisoners were on the recreation field, on smoke breaks, in religious services, and working in the kitchen when the power failed. The back-up generator sputtered and chugged laboriously. Then nothing. the power went on and off four or five times within the first 20 minutes. Strangely, the yard wasn't placed under lock-down immediately.

At around 7:30 pm, the unit was placed on lockdown and all prisoners were locked into their dorms.

Problem: There were approximately 500 prisoners locked into dorms, built for half that population. With NO air! NO lights! NO televisions! NO nothing! It was so hot (humid) and dark in the dorms. Guys were succumbing to the heat, and secondary emergency responses were called. In addition, the water was off too due to the electricity. NO toilets! NO showers! NO drinking water! And the guards failed to bring us water.

This situation turned out okay, in that nobody died, was killed or assaulted, or escaped. However, ADOC's response to this potentially catastrophic incident was one of confusion, panic and negligence.

Coincidentally, Cimmeron unit has had similar outages in the past month or so. Is it truly wise for legislators to cut building maintenance budgets, staff, etc, and continue to warehouse prisoners unnecessarily in these unconstitutional conditions?

I guess they (lawmakers) are just too blinded by their own agendas to see the serious threat to the public and the prison system THEY are creating with their deliberately indifferent lawmaking. When I say "THEY", I mean the Republicans and select Democrats who recently shot down the "idea" of releasing "some" prisoners early.

I am biased though. I'm one of those who could have been released early. Maybe AZ taxpayers would prefer this ridiculous spending and putting the ax to all other agencies (K-12, State Parks, etc.). What do you think?

July 12, 2009

Today Tony's friend Chris came to visit him. It was a surprise and Tony was just dozing off when the guard called for him to report to visitation. Since his ex-girlfriend suddenly quit writing and visiting without any explanation, he'd given up on receiving mail or visits. Luckily, his daughter often visits Tony's mom and he's been able to keep in touch with his baby girl. It's such a harsh, heart-breaking way to do a person, I can assure you! (bygones)

Tony needed this visit badly. Aside from his missing ex stresses, prison stresses, again stresses (He turns 41 tomorrow), he has growing stress about his release. He has 45 days left! Chris helped alleviate some of his worries about him getting out.

It's been nearly 5 years since he has been out, and has no clothes, no job waiting, no money, and will be at his mom's home temporarily.

We've tried the best we can from in here to get him ready. He's currently in Mr. Jeffrey's Pre-release class and I've arranged fro him to have some money to help him get on his feet. He still needs some clothing to be released in, a ride form Tucson to Phoenix, and a couple of good friends to be there for him, like I've tried to while we've been locked up.

After Chris' visit today, Tony knows that Chris is going to make sure he has a ride home, will help the best he can to get him a job, and he'll be there for him when he needs a friend, just like he use to years ago. Tony still worries, but it's unavoidable. Only somebody who has been locked up- can fully understand what it's like getting out and all of the worrying before that day you walk out the gate. I know it.

If anybody out there would like to help Tony with clothing for his release he could really use anything you'll donate. His sizes are as follows...Pants: 36/34, Shirts: XL, Shoes: 9 1/2 Sox & boxers-shorts. To obtain his mailing address for a donation, please email my blog moderator and she will privately send it to you.

*Chris* Take care of our friend Tony. I get out in about 2 1/2 years and he owes me a good BBQ cookout for my release party.

July 9, 2009
Legislative Lecture with Phil Lopes
Written by inmate Shannon Clark, Manzanita Unit, ADOC Tucson
On the web, http://shannoninprison.blogspot.com

Today Representative Phil Lopes, a Democrat from Tucson’s District 27, came to the Manzanita Unit to offer the prisoners a lecture on Arizona’s legislative process, the budget crisis, and the ADOC’s budget woes.

Rep. Lopes, a 7 year veteran of the Arizona House of Representatives, and an energetic, enthusiastic and straight-shooting speaker did an excellent job getting through to the two dozen or so inmates and answering questions. Two ladies from our programs department, and Dr. Shapiro were also there and asked their own questions. Dr. Shapiro, our Creative Writing Instructor, helped set up the lecture.

Rep. Lopes was down to earth, and helped us put a human face to Arizona “law makers”. Many of us imprisoned picture an old, fat, white guy in a suit and tie, stuffy and narrow-minded when we try to imagine a legislator. We imagine somebody who fears and despises convicted felons. This stereotypical mold in our minds was shattered by Rep. Lopes.

In short, Rep. Lopes explained his job in the House, the process itself, his Republican counterpart’s role in the process, the disastrous state we are currently in, how we got here, Napolitano’s role in our current situation, as well as Brewer’s.

In my opinion, the Republican dominated House, and Senate, since 1966, have put us in a downward spiral with their preconceived ideas and ideologies, which have not been effective for decades. To the Republican Majority’s disbelief and outrage, Governor Brewer stood her ground this year and defied them in vetoing their budget bills for vital Arizona agencies, and called a special session to fix the budget, which will be nearly 8 billion in deficit next year.

Republican lawmakers ideology prevents them from two key budget fixes. Releasing some of the prison population and changing Arizona’s criminal sentencing statutes, and raising taxes. Both of these things would be an effective fix to our state’s financial crisis. Income taxes being raised slightly would boost the General Fund and sentencing reform would significantly decrease spending on Corrections, while still protecting public safety. Unfortunately, those in power bullheadedly won’t consider these true fixes, let alone put it to a vote. They’d prefer to cut, cut, cut, and cut some more, and “fix” nothing.

Rep. Lopes reaffirmed my belief that Republicans in Arizona’s House and Senate are too stubborn to waiver from ideologies that are proven wrong when he said that they believe “that criminals can’t victimize the public if they are in prison”. This statement is the Republican’s ideology of lock them up and throw away the key.

What I understood from this lecture is that AZ’s Republican lawmakers want lower taxes, a smaller government and to lock up everybody who commits a crime. Three things that are counterproductive to one another, as well as economically destructive to the state.

The state’s General Fund is mainly supplied by Arizona tax dollars. The General Fund provides the budgets for the state’s governmental agencies, including ADOC, and other state funded programs. Arizona has one of the lowest tax rates in the US and Republican lawmakers have vowed never to raise them. Although they have and will attach “fees” to certain activities, which for all intents and purposes are a taxation. In recent times, Arizona’s citizens are being layed off and forced to seek work elsewhere due to many businesses, agencies, companies, etc., down-sizing and/or going under. Less tax revenue is going into Arizona’s General Fund.

Lawmakers continue to stand by their terrible triple tenets, as the General Fund declines, in turn forcing them to cut budgets and funding, causing more job losses, less tax revenue, etc.

Keeping with their “lock them up” sentiment, the prison population continues to expand rapidly, as does the ADOC’s budget. With few areas left to dole out budget cuts, without completely shutting down agencies and vital programs, lawmakers shave ADOC’s budget-which is nearly $1 billion-but instead of releasing some non-dangerous, minimum custody prisoners a few months early, ADOC is forced to let go some of its employees, again, more tax revenue not going in the general fund.

I know Republicans, Democrats and the fabled Independents, are all human and fallible. I respect them as my fellow man. But I don’t understand how and why Arizona’s Republican lawmakers continue to wear blinders while their constituents and fellow citizens lives continue to spiral downward into poverty and desperation because of their choices to ignore the three pink elephants in their chambers.

Rep. Lopes’ lecture was fantastic and very much appreciated by Manzanita unit prisoners. I was impressed with the mere fact that he was willing to come inside a state prison, on his own time, without compensation, to teach a few dozen men who have in essence been deemed inconsequential and disenfranchised. Maybe next lecture Dr. Shapiro can arrange for a Republican lawmaker to visit his local state prison.

Thank you, Rep. Lopes, for taking the time to come down to Manzanita unit. Thank you, Dr. Shapiro, once again you’ve come up with another fantastic lecture for your students and Manzanita prisoners.July 9, 2009

July 8th, 2009

Today I was called into Deputy Warden Aguilar's office again by Sgt. Abelowitz and Aguilar. It was about my blogging again, but had a different tone this time. Both the Sgt. and Deputy Warden were cordial and professional.

The conversation began with recognition that the meeting was not intended in any way to attempt to infringe on my constitutionally protected First Amendment right to write the blogs, and they further acknowledged that it was not regarding "how" I was posting my blogs-as previously they suspected I was posting from a computer "inside prison" instead of via 3rd parties outside utilizing a pen, paper and postage stamps. This time it was a reasonable and cordial request or suggestion.

In a recent blog, I mentioned that I found a Food Factory COII to be "hot". Although it was an offhanded comment and not the subject of the blog, it ruffled ADOC feather a bit. It was my opinion, but after I'd been politely confronted, I agree that her true name should not have been used and I'm taking steps to correct this oversight.

D.W. Aguilar and Sgt. Abelowitz also let me know that comments were intercepted from my mail from this posting and others. This was done so without any notice to me, as policy requires, and was not returned to me or returned to sender, as also policy says. I suspect that it was simply an oversight on ADOC's part and my U.S. mail will be given to me, but I will pursue this further as a grievance unless my mail is given to me because THAT is another constitutionally protected right I have, also guaranteed under the 1st amendment.

As for the comment about COII W. and today's meeting with the D.W. and Sgt., I was and am impressed with their concern for COII W. and their willingness to call on it. My apology to her.

One thing which I tried to assure Mr. Aguilar and Mr. Abelowitz is that like the other females working alongside the orangemen in the Food Factory, in brown or white, Ms. W. is safe with our crew. Myself and the crew are opposed to hurting women and would defend them. Brown and white shirts alike. Not all of us in the orange are rapists and many of us love, respect and will defend women. I,for one, would never sit by while anybody hurt a woman. I have a mother. Sister. Niece. And many women friends. I couldn't sit by idly...

My apology to all those who left comments to the past two or three entries which may have required a response. I never received the hard-copy of your comments, and don't know whether this mail will be found and given to me.

All comments are cut and pasted into a document and sent to Shannon every couple of months. It is a time-consuming detail to being a blog administrator. Perhaps some of you might consider snail mailing your comments to Shannon to save me the trouble of resending or causing a problem with ADOC. Thanks so much! Blog administrator

June 27, 2009

The facts are still unclear, but what is clear is that my warnings on this blog of serious consequences of short staffing, over-crowding, tensions, etc. continue to come to fruition daily.

Today the Tucson Prison Complex is back on lockdown. Actually, the entire complex has been under lockdown since yesterday evening. Only hours after being off lockdown from the violence at Rincon unit, with additional staff there from all other units leaving those units undermanned, the Santa Rita unit exploded. Based on news reports and word of mouth, here's what happened at the Santa Rita unit. Another unit housing hundreds of Medium custody prisoners with crimes ranging from Theft, Burglary and Drug dealing to Assault, Attempted Murder and Murder.

The Mexican Nationals and Mexican Americans are warring. They have been for years. That's common knowledge amongst ADOC and its population. The nationals, for all intents and purposes, have been separated from the Mexican Americans for some time. Recently, that practice was stopped by ADOC. Due to legal and financial reasons. (Over-crowded units cannot afford empty beds due to ethnic segregation practices).

The tents on Santa Rita unit erupted in ethnic violence yesterday. Approximately fifty orangemen began fighting amongst each other, some wielding home-made weapons (shanks, broken bromm sticks, etc.). After some time, about 30 prisoners were injured and six seriously. No correctional officers were injured, but I suspect this is only because none were willing to put themselves in harm's way this time. That and they were significantly out-numbered. I hope that the future uprisings; and there will be more, are met with little resistance from CO's. before their reinforcements arrive. It's only a job! I hate it when their bravado or ignorance gets them hurt of even worse. Fifty angry inmates fighting with weapons...cannot be stopped by a handful of CO's! Let them fight until sufficient back-up arrives! Don't play super CO! Run!

It's painfully obvious that these incident will continue to happen more and more on medium and maximum prison units state-wide until ADOC, the Governor and lawmakers fix the over-crowding and short staffing problems by freeing the non-violent, minimum population early. Not only would this free up thousands of beds and save the state millions of tax dollars, it would free up COs to staff understaffed units that could potentially explode in violence any second.

Rumor has it that Gov. Brewer herself ordered the statewide lockdown of all prison units for the weekend. An acknowledgement of her knowledge of what is happening. Also, an indication of her disregard if no changes are ordered by her!

July 17, 2009

Earlier tonight there was a major power outage at the Manzanita unit. A potentially catastrophic failure.

At around 7 PM, the power on the Manzanita unit went out. No lights. No air. No computerized door locks. No power gates. Nothing! The entire unit went black! Not even a perimeter fence light illuminated the 500 man unit.

Approximately 120 prisoners were on the recreation field, on smoke breaks, in religious services, and working in the kitchen when the power failed. The back-up generator sputtered and chugged laboriously. Then nothing. the power went on and off four or five times within the first 20 minutes. Strangely, the yard wasn't placed under lock-down immediately.

At around 7:30 pm, the unit was placed on lockdown and all prisoners were locked into their dorms.

Problem: There were approximately 500 prisoners locked into dorms, built for half that population. With NO air! NO lights! NO televisions! NO nothing! It was so hot (humid) and dark in the dorms. Guys were succumbing to the heat, and secondary emergency responses were called. In addition, the water was off too due to the electricity. NO toilets! NO showers! NO drinking water! And the guards failed to bring us water.

This situation turned out okay, in that nobody died, was killed or assaulted, or escaped. However, ADOC's response to this potentially catastrophic incident was one of confusion, panic and negligence.

Coincidentally, Cimmeron unit has had similar outages in the past month or so. Is it truly wise for legislators to cut building maintenance budgets, staff, etc, and continue to warehouse prisoners unnecessarily in these unconstitutional conditions?

I guess they (lawmakers) are just too blinded by their own agendas to see the serious threat to the public and the prison system THEY are creating with their deliberately indifferent lawmaking. When I say "THEY", I mean the Republicans and select Democrats who recently shot down the "idea" of releasing "some" prisoners early.

I am biased though. I'm one of those who could have been released early. Maybe AZ taxpayers would prefer this ridiculous spending and putting the ax to all other agencies (K-12, State Parks, etc.). What do you think?

July 12, 2009

Today Tony's friend Chris came to visit him. It was a surprise and Tony was just dozing off when the guard called for him to report to visitation. Since his ex-girlfriend suddenly quit writing and visiting without any explanation, he'd given up on receiving mail or visits. Luckily, his daughter often visits Tony's mom and he's been able to keep in touch with his baby girl. It's such a harsh, heart-breaking way to do a person, I can assure you! (bygones)

Tony needed this visit badly. Aside from his missing ex stresses, prison stresses, again stresses (He turns 41 tomorrow), he has growing stress about his release. He has 45 days left! Chris helped alleviate some of his worries about him getting out.

It's been nearly 5 years since he has been out, and has no clothes, no job waiting, no money, and will be at his mom's home temporarily.

We've tried the best we can from in here to get him ready. He's currently in Mr. Jeffrey's Pre-release class and I've arranged fro him to have some money to help him get on his feet. He still needs some clothing to be released in, a ride form Tucson to Phoenix, and a couple of good friends to be there for him, like I've tried to while we've been locked up.

After Chris' visit today, Tony knows that Chris is going to make sure he has a ride home, will help the best he can to get him a job, and he'll be there for him when he needs a friend, just like he use to years ago. Tony still worries, but it's unavoidable. Only somebody who has been locked up- can fully understand what it's like getting out and all of the worrying before that day you walk out the gate. I know it.

If anybody out there would like to help Tony with clothing for his release he could really use anything you'll donate. His sizes are as follows...Pants: 36/34, Shirts: XL, Shoes: 9 1/2 Sox & boxers-shorts. To obtain his mailing address for a donation, please email my blog moderator and she will privately send it to you.

*Chris* Take care of our friend Tony. I get out in about 2 1/2 years and he owes me a good BBQ cookout for my release party.

July 9, 2009
Legislative Lecture with Phil Lopes
Written by inmate Shannon Clark, Manzanita Unit, ADOC Tucson
On the web, http://shannoninprison.blogspot.com

Today Representative Phil Lopes, a Democrat from Tucson’s District 27, came to the Manzanita Unit to offer the prisoners a lecture on Arizona’s legislative process, the budget crisis, and the ADOC’s budget woes.

Rep. Lopes, a 7 year veteran of the Arizona House of Representatives, and an energetic, enthusiastic and straight-shooting speaker did an excellent job getting through to the two dozen or so inmates and answering questions. Two ladies from our programs department, and Dr. Shapiro were also there and asked their own questions. Dr. Shapiro, our Creative Writing Instructor, helped set up the lecture.

Rep. Lopes was down to earth, and helped us put a human face to Arizona “law makers”. Many of us imprisoned picture an old, fat, white guy in a suit and tie, stuffy and narrow-minded when we try to imagine a legislator. We imagine somebody who fears and despises convicted felons. This stereotypical mold in our minds was shattered by Rep. Lopes.

In short, Rep. Lopes explained his job in the House, the process itself, his Republican counterpart’s role in the process, the disastrous state we are currently in, how we got here, Napolitano’s role in our current situation, as well as Brewer’s.

In my opinion, the Republican dominated House, and Senate, since 1966, have put us in a downward spiral with their preconceived ideas and ideologies, which have not been effective for decades. To the Republican Majority’s disbelief and outrage, Governor Brewer stood her ground this year and defied them in vetoing their budget bills for vital Arizona agencies, and called a special session to fix the budget, which will be nearly 8 billion in deficit next year.

Republican lawmakers ideology prevents them from two key budget fixes. Releasing some of the prison population and changing Arizona’s criminal sentencing statutes, and raising taxes. Both of these things would be an effective fix to our state’s financial crisis. Income taxes being raised slightly would boost the General Fund and sentencing reform would significantly decrease spending on Corrections, while still protecting public safety. Unfortunately, those in power bullheadedly won’t consider these true fixes, let alone put it to a vote. They’d prefer to cut, cut, cut, and cut some more, and “fix” nothing.

Rep. Lopes reaffirmed my belief that Republicans in Arizona’s House and Senate are too stubborn to waiver from ideologies that are proven wrong when he said that they believe “that criminals can’t victimize the public if they are in prison”. This statement is the Republican’s ideology of lock them up and throw away the key.

What I understood from this lecture is that AZ’s Republican lawmakers want lower taxes, a smaller government and to lock up everybody who commits a crime. Three things that are counterproductive to one another, as well as economically destructive to the state.

The state’s General Fund is mainly supplied by Arizona tax dollars. The General Fund provides the budgets for the state’s governmental agencies, including ADOC, and other state funded programs. Arizona has one of the lowest tax rates in the US and Republican lawmakers have vowed never to raise them. Although they have and will attach “fees” to certain activities, which for all intents and purposes are a taxation. In recent times, Arizona’s citizens are being layed off and forced to seek work elsewhere due to many businesses, agencies, companies, etc., down-sizing and/or going under. Less tax revenue is going into Arizona’s General Fund.

Lawmakers continue to stand by their terrible triple tenets, as the General Fund declines, in turn forcing them to cut budgets and funding, causing more job losses, less tax revenue, etc.

Keeping with their “lock them up” sentiment, the prison population continues to expand rapidly, as does the ADOC’s budget. With few areas left to dole out budget cuts, without completely shutting down agencies and vital programs, lawmakers shave ADOC’s budget-which is nearly $1 bil