SPRINGFIELD - Lawmakers told a roomful of state prison workers Wednesday that hiring extra staff is a good idea, but they weren't sure where to find the money.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 31, the union representing most prison workers, is pushing for additional money during this budget cycle to hire 600 more people. The proposal would cost the state at most $7 million this fiscal year and $20 million annually starting in fiscal year 2007.

"There is no new revenue stream," said state Rep. Eddie Washington, D-Waukegan.

State Rep. Robert Molaro, D-Chicago, suggested extra money may be available in next year's budget, which will be unveiled in February, but all lawmakers will be trying to fund their pet projects.

"We talked about priorities. The leaders and individual representatives all have ideas about where the money should go," Molaro said.

Henry Bayer, the union's executive director, argued that officials no longer require guard positions in the mess hall and guard towers to be filled.

"It means that there are fewer eyes to watch over the inmates. It means we have one officer and 300 inmates out in the yard," Bayer said. "It means there is a longer response time if there is an incident. It means people are working double shifts. We all know that someone that puts in 13 or 14 hours of work is not going to be as alert as someone working a single shift."

Prison Director Roger Walker said extra staff wouldn't necessarily make prisons safer.

"Do we need more officers? Yes. Would it be helpful to have more staff? Yes," Walker said. "However, we feel our facilities continue to be managed safely and securely."

A supplemental spending plan could be voted on soon, but it might not include funding for the all of the 600 positions, said State Rep. Brandon Phelps, D-Norris City.

The House committee must still vote on the proposal.

Matt Adrian can be reached at matt.adrian@;lee.net or 789-0865.