TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A Florida House panel has cleared that chamber’s version of a plan to privatize prisons in South Florida.
The Justice Appropriations Subcommittee on Tuesday passed by a 10-5 party-line vote a measure that would allow the privatizing of all prison facilities in the southern part of the state. A similar bill cleared a Senate committee the day before.
Democratic lawmakers and correctional workers continued their opposition to privatization. They say the plan will put state employees out of work and reduce public safety.
Proponents say the measures all but guarantee savings to state government that can be put toward education and public health.
A similar privatization attempt last year was shot down by a judge who said it was unconstitutional. This year’s bills fix the legal problems.
Source: Associated Press
