http://www.thekansan.com/stories/050205/localnews_.shtml


PUBLISHED: Monday, May 2, 2005
TOPEKA (AP) -- The state will remain unable to put its inmates in private prisons in Kansas because the House didn't want to even talk about the idea.
The chamber voted 70-49 against having a debate this weekend on a compromise bill to repeal the ban on private prisons in Kansas. Worked out by negotiators, it had been approved 26-13 by the Senate.

"It was a disappointing outcome, but we'll be back next year working hard to convince House members it's good public policy," said Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt, who led the push for the legislation.

Schmidt said the chief selling point of private prisons is that they save the state money and help local economies. He said about 30 states have private prisons.

House Speaker Doug Mays said a lot of members don't believe in private prisons.

Well .. this is my first post of what I hope to be many here.

I just wanted to make a quick observation about Mr Schmidts comment:

"Schmidt said the chief selling point of private prisons is that they save the state money and help local economies. He said about 30 states have private prisons."

While I would agree that both of these points are important, the biggest focus of the state should be in seriously looking at what the DOC can do to make sure that all excons are given a reasonable chance once they hit the streets.

Addressing whether to outsource housing and care is like treating a symptom rather than addressing the sickness. If the inflow of people into the system and the return of previous inmates were reduced, the cost issue would go away.

What is their solution?

"Let us make the problem someone elses and make it about money, not reform" :angry:

I hope the sensible nature of Kansas lawmakers is not swayed by unsensible solutions such as Schmidt's.

I will be doing some personal investigating into this situation as I would be curious what his and others motivation truly is for letting the DOC go private.

Let me know your thoughts.

MacRebel