ST. PAUL (AP) - State House Republicans are proposing that Minnesota prisoners be forced to come up with a $5 co-pay for every visit they make to a health care provider.

It's one part of the House GOP's proposed two-year budget for public safety and corrections. The Republican plan proposes spending about $1 billion on corrections and other public safety programs, about $55 million less than what Gov. Mark Dayton has proposed.

Republicans propose a $12 million cut to programs for crime victims and battered women. Another cost-saving measure in the bill would require that offenders with 60 days or less in their sentences serve that time in a county jail or workhouse.

Republicans also propose slashing more than half the budget of the state Department of Human Rights.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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