BOSTON (AP) – Gov. Mitt Romney is asking lawmakers to approve an additional $12.8 million to avoid hundreds of layoffs at prisons across the state.

In a letter sent to lawmakers Tuesday, Romney cited several reasons for the extra spending, including increased fuel and medical costs and a four percent growth in the Department of Correction’s inmate population in the current fiscal year.

Without the additional funding, Romney said the department will have to make over 300 layoffs starting Jan. 1.

“Such an action may imperil the safety of the remaining employees at DOC, the inmates, and the public,” Romney said in the funding request sent to lawmakers.

Romney said there are sufficient state funds currently available to fill the gap. The additional funds will let the Department of Corrections maintain their current staffing levels, he said.

Calls to officials from a union representing prison guards were not immediately returned.