Just one month after hundreds of inmates were released early, today close to 200 more were set free.

The program called the Mandatory Re-entry Supervision Program is being hailed as a cost saving measure at a time when the state is struggling to balance its budget, and cut down on the states soaring prison population.

According to the Department of Corrections of the 199 inmates granted early release, 161 were serving time in a state prison or county jail, the remaining 37 were on home incarceration.

Last month almost 1,000 inmates were released early to serve the remaining six-months of their sentences at planned and approved residences across Kentucky. Of that number, 26 were granted residency in Fayette County. Of this months group, just seven will be returning to Lexington.

This week Governor Steve Beshear defended the young program after 75 early release inmates from the first group, had already violated the terms of their release conditions.

"I think it's way too early to say something's not working, we've just started this program," said Governor Beshear.

Other supporters of the program say, it's much better than the alternative, inmates serving out the remainder of their six-month sentence in prison, then leaving with no supervision at all.

The Department of Corrections is mandated by the state to continue the process next month, and the months that follow.

Lawmakers have said, if successful, they would consider making this a permanent program.