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| Inmates far outnumber prison jobs in Wisconsin |
| By St. Paul Pioneer Press |
| Published: 03/29/2004 |
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Wisconsin inmates spend their time behind prison walls producing everything from pillows and linens to office furniture. But there are many more prisoners than jobs. Of the 25,000 inmates incarcerated in Wisconsin, there are only 800 inmates employed by Badger State Industries, according to state correction officials. "There is a waiting list of inmates that exceeds the total number of jobs available," said Steve Kronzer, correctional enterprises director. The state operates 14 industries in 11 correctional facilities. Inmates stamp the traditional license plates for the Department of Transportation and some small municipalities. But select shoppers can go online to order anything from computer furniture, towels and curtains to mattresses and reflective clothing. Badger State Industries is limited by Wisconsin law to sell only to state and federal agencies, county and municipal facilities, nonprofit organizations and selected private sector businesses. The state operates three textile shops at its Green Bay, Kettle Moraine and Black River Falls facilities where prisoners sew a growing line of clothing and do custom embroidery on leather bags, jackets, caps, blankets and other items. The inmates' products sometimes draw the ire of competitors in the private sector. Scenic Signs owner Marcia Dalsky had a booth set up at recent a snowmobile show in Stevens Point and discovered a Badger State Industries' booth offering similar signs for $5 to $6 less. State law requires the Corrections Department to price its products as near to the market price as possible. Corrections Secretary Matthew Frank ordered Badger State Industries to raise its sign prices so they are comparable with most other vendors. Inmates make about 78 cents an hour on average and are evaluated on their job performance on a regular basis. The work program began in 1913 as a way to provide inmates the opportunity to develop skills and the work ethic they would need upon their release. The self-supporting BSI reported $26 million in gross revenue last year with a $500,000 profit. BSI also provides laundry services to a variety of state agencies and operates a computer recycling program. |
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