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| Rest Stops Could Be Maintained By Inmates |
| By nbcwashington.com |
| Published: 02/03/2011 |
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Imagine pulling over at a highway rest stop to take a break, and seeing a convict planting flowers. It could happen someday soon in Virginia. Bills allowing inmates to maintain Virginia's rest stops cleared both chambers Wednesday, but not without debate that doing so could hurt public safety and Virginia's image. Many Democrats oppose the measure, which was first proposed by Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell last year when he reopened 19 rest stops statewide. Inmates are already allowed to work along highways and at other jobs, including maintenance at the state Capitol. "I would suggest there's a big difference in driving at 65 mph past a crew of convicts picking up trash on the shoulder of the highway and sharing your picnic lunch with them at a rest stop," said Del. Robert Brink, D-Arlington. Sen. Emmett Hanger, R-Augusta, argued that allowing inmates to work at rest stops could save the state significant money. The state currently contracts with private companies to provide the labor. If it employed inmates, it would pay the Department of Corrections $1.50 per hour. Read More. |
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