|
|
| Corrections, teaching jobs on the line |
| By flcourier.com |
| Published: 03/18/2011 |
|
The Department of Corrections announced plans Tuesday to close three prisons, two boot camp programs and another facility as a way of saving $30 million that agency officials say can be done without releasing any inmates early. Prisons officials also claim they can do it without many layoffs. A statement from the department said "the bulk’’ of the cost savings would be generated through employee attrition. Corrections Secretary Edwin Buss said last week that with about 350 jobs a month turning over in the system, not filling them could give the agency almost all the cuts it needs. Closings in Brevard, Hendry, Hillsborough The agency announced plans to close Brevard Correctional Institution near Cocoa, Hendry Correctional Institution in Immokalee and Hillsborough Correctional Institution in Riverview. Also on the block for closure will be the Tallahassee Road Prison, the Lowell Correctional Institution Boot Camp and the Sumter Boot Camp. Staff at the facilities slated for closure will be offered jobs at other institutions, prisons officials said. "This plan is the right thing to do because it will save Florida taxpayers millions of dollars,’’ Buss said in a release. "The facilities to be closed are older and require more resources to operate than newer institutions. Additionally, this initiative will provide the department with an opportunity to consolidate program resources which will allow for seamless delivery of evidence based programs aimed to reduce recidivism.’’ Phasing out starts immediately The state prison system currently has a surplus of beds, according to prison officials. An agency statement said the phase out of the facilities would begin immediately with an eye toward completion at the end of June. While the administration of Gov. Rick Scott has clashed with legislators over the authority to make certain moves without legislative approval, the chairman of the Senate committee that writes the criminal justice budget said Tuesday that Buss is within his authority to close and consolidate prisons without legislative approval. Fasano, however, is working on a draft criminal justice budget that contemplates far fewer reductions, cutting 85 positions for a savings of just $5.5 million. Teacher salaries tied to scores In other Florida news, the Legislature passed the biggest change to the state’s education system in more than 10 years, sending to Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday a bill tying teacher salaries to test scores and ending multi-year contracts. The House of Representatives passed the bill on a 80-39 straight party-line vote, with Republicans in favor, after more than three hours of debate. Scott said afterward that he will sign it, the first bill that will be approved by the new governor. Read More. |
Comments:
Login to let us know what you think
MARKETPLACE search vendors | advanced search
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
|
Patent litigation is a long expensive progress. That’s why it is important to get the best lawyer who can do a good job for you. The Waco Division of the Western District of Texas has emerged as a major player in patent litigation. There are a few lawyers who can take a case with bad facts and bad law and make it into something special. When you’re looking for that type of lawyer, it can be especially hard to find. Do you evaluate based on educational background? Number of accolades? Do you trust a referral from a friend? One lawyer may have done a good job for your friend, but that is because their situation was much different and the lawyer you need has a different focus. Do you look for a lawyer who is board certified in a particular field? If you are looking a lawyer that focuses on Waco Patent Litigation it is important to see what the people in Waco think of the lawyer’s services. Understanding the nuances of particular judges and local customs is critical in getting heard. There are few ways that it could pay off poorly to find the right lawyer for your case. That’s why it’s a safe bet to find the best people for your job.