|
|
| Prison privatization bill dies |
| By jaxdailyrecord.com - David Royse, The News Service of Florida |
| Published: 02/15/2012 |
|
A bipartisan coalition of senators bucked the chamber’s Republican leadership Tuesday and rejected a proposal to privatize several prisons, but received warnings from leaders that it will have a cost in further budget cuts. In a dramatic showdown with Senate President Mike Haridopolos and three other top leaders — one of whom controls the Senate’s budget, one who controls the calendar and one who will be the next president — opponents of the bill managed to kill it on a 19-21 vote. The odd coalition that lined up against the bill included Republican populists who have become occasional mavericks, Democrats and some members of the GOP caucus that almost always vote with their party, but come from areas laden with corrections officers who opposed the idea. The measure was sold as a simple savings measure by most of its backers. The bill (SB 2083) would have required bidders to guarantee 7 percent savings over what the Department of Corrections currently spends to run the prisons, which are spread across 18 South Florida counties. That would amount to about $16.5 million minimum in savings, supporters argued. That “will buy a lot of textbooks,” said Sen. Mike Bennett (R-Bradenton). Senator after senator rose on the floor to raise objections — some said the savings wouldn’t materialize, others argued the state could just as easily find 7 percent savings if pressed. Some said the companies that would bid couldn’t be trusted to run them well — or would skimp on safety, all arguments that backers rejected. Most said they were opposed to the measure because it would do wrong by corrections officers who have a tough life as it is, working for little pay among some of the toughest working conditions imaginable. Sen. Paula Dockery talked about the nasty working conditions faced by guards, and noted the private companies would likely find the required cost savings by cutting benefits. “’This is the way we’re going to treat them?” Dockery asked. “’We should be thanking all those brave men and women … and not try to shunt you off on a private corporation who may or may not hire you.” Read More. |
MARKETPLACE search vendors | advanced search
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
|
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think