RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ Gov. Terry McAuliffe says the state has slashed the cost for inmates to stay in touch with their friends and family. Under new rates that went into effect this month, McAuliffe says offenders are paying about 4 cents per minute for phone calls. The average call now costs about 69 cents. That’s down from $4.06 in 2010 and $1.48 in October 2015. McAuliffe says that Virginia’s rates are among the lowest in the country. He says the state recognizes the importance of family support for offenders as they serve their time and get ready to re-enter the community. Virginia has partnered with offender phone service provider, Global Tel(asterisk)Link, to reduce the rates.
