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| Corrections Chief looking at privatizing prison food |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 03/01/2004 |
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Kentucky Corrections Commissioner John Rees said private businesses could run food services at state prisons as early as this year. The move could save enough money at Kentucky's 12 adult institutions to raise the salaries of officers, which ranks 49th in the country, Rees said. Rees, a former vice president of Corrections Corporation of America, No bids for food services would be sought unless it is concluded a private company can do the job as well, but cheaper, Rees said. "It's going to cost $10 million to $11 million to bring them up to the average salary of other states," Rees told the Lexington Herald-Leader in an interview. The proposal drew the ire of prison workers and House Democrats. "What kind of employees do you think you're going to get for close to minimum wage and no benefits?" asked Esther Jones, a foodservice worker at the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex in West Liberty. A corporation trying to maximize its profit in prison kitchens might cut back on the nutrition and caloric content of inmate meals, said Rep. Robin Webb, D-Grayson, a member of the House budget subcommittee for the justice system. Kentucky pays about $3.30 a day for each inmate's meals, including the cost of personnel and supplies, Rees said. The department might not decide on privatization until after July 1, which is when the next state budget begins, he said. |
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