The state budget cuts ordered by Iowa Governor Chet Culver will have a big impact on staffing at the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison. Up to 81 employees could lose their jobs. Several of those employees are prison guards.

Other people who would be affected are cooks, support staff, accountants, and secretaries.

More than half the inmates at the penitentiary are high risk, maximum security prisoners. Iowa Department of Corrections Spokesman Fred Scaletta says some rehab programs offered to inmates might be impacted.

So far, early release of some low risk inmates has not been discussed. The budget cuts could become final next week.  There are about 1,100 inmates at the prison in Fort Madison.