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| Conn. Union Faults Sending More Inmates Out Of State |
| By Hartford Courant |
| Published: 06/05/2003 |
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The union representing Connecticut's prison officers is calling on taxpayers and lawmakers to oppose the governor's proposal to send 2,000 more inmates out of state to ease prison overcrowding. Union officials questioned language in the proposal that for the first time would allow the state to send prisoners to private, for-profit prisons. They said instead of creating jobs and boosting the economy of other states, Gov. John G. Rowland should be investing in drug treatment, mental health programs and nonprofit organizations at home. 'Shipping prisoners out of state might look good in the near term, but taxpayers and Connecticut workers will foot the bill later on,' David Moffa said during a press conference at the statehouse May 31. Moffa is president of Local 387, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. 'Instead of quick fixes, Connecticut should implement long-term, progressive solutions such as alternative incarceration for minor offenders or inmates about to be released,' he said. Correction officials and Rowland's office defend the proposal and say that the transfers are in the best interest of taxpayers. 'Due to the growth of the offender population and the state's budgetary situation, we need to consider all management options to ensure the continued safe and secure confinement of offenders,' said Christina Polce, a Department of Correction spokeswoman. According to correction officials, taxpayers spend an average of $74 per day to house inmates in Connecticut, compared with $64 in Virginia. Rowland's spokeswoman, Michelle Sullivan, said the lower cost of housing inmates out of state would save state taxpayers $11 million in the 2004 budget year and $22 million the following years, and prevent the need for costly prison construction. 'Just as you would in the private sector, we are looking to save money by outsourcing,' said Sullivan. 'You get the same benefits, but at a lower cost.' And she disagrees with the union's argument that sending inmates away from their families and support system is detrimental to their rehabilitation. She notes that half of the 500 offenders the state now houses in Virginia have asked to remain there. 'We think that most of the people out of state can still communicate with their family,' Sullivan said. Still, union officials say that there are many hidden costs that are not being taken into account. As examples, they refer to transportation, room and board for Connecticut staff members assigned to Virginia, defending lawsuits and a $2 million settlement the state reached with the families of two deceased inmates. They also say that comparing costs between the two states is flawed because Virginia only accepts Connecticut offenders without disciplinary problems or serious mental health and medical needs. 'We're exporting the least costly inmates, so it's an apples to oranges comparison,' said Joshua Miller, a labor economist for the union. The union also said it had issues with the use of privately run prisons, whose staff they described as often poorly paid and inadequately trained. David O'Leary, Rowland's former chief of staff, is a lobbyist representing Correction Corporation of America. Union officials say they were concerned that the change in language was related to O'Leary's efforts. They say that the corporation has numerous open beds and could stand to benefit from the transfers. O'Leary declined to comment. Sullivan said the change in language had nothing to do with O'Leary's lobbying efforts. She said that privately run facilities and programs were included to give the state more options. 'Not to my knowledge has [O'Leary] had any conversations with the governor on this,' Sullivan said. |
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