Press Release - "Are For Profit Prisons A Good Choice?"

Are For-Profit Prisons a Good Choice for Colorado?

Senator Brandon Shaffer and Christie Donner, founder and director of Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, will explore this question as Magellan Center’s “The BIG Idea” fall discussion series kicks off on Tuesday evening, September 11. The event will focus on the economic impact on Colorado taxpayers as our prison population continues to expand at a rate higher than the national average.

The first question is: Which design (traditional or for profit) is better able to achieve the mission of our state’s criminal justice system more efficiently and effectively?

Second: How well does each design prepare those who emerge from prison to become productive members of the workforce?

The program, co-sponsored by the Longmont Senior Center, begins at 7:00 at Magellan Center, 1951 South Fordham Street, Suite 250. The Center is located in the Xilinx Learning Center facility. After opening remarks by Senator Shaffer and Ms. Donner, the audience is invited to discuss the topic further, share new insights, and identify additional questions they need answers to in order to make informed decisions.

All programs in “The BIG Idea” series are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served, and donations are requested.

“The BIG Idea” is an evening series co-sponsored by Longmont Senior Center and Magellan Center. Each program begins with two or three recognized experts presenting remarks about a current and critical social or economic issue. They will consider the topic from varying (but not necessarily adversarial) points of view. This segment is followed by a facilitated discussion among audience members; heated argument is suspended and all participants can develop or enhance their own opinions and decision-making criteria.

After September, “The BIG Idea” will continue on the second Wednesday evening of each month throughout the fall. On October 10, we will explore the vital topic of healthcare reform for Colorado. Speakers have been invited to present information about the Blue Ribbon Commission for Health Care Reform, the single-payer proposal, the health insurance industry, and the viewpoint of a healthcare provider.

Magellan Center is a 501c3 (charitable, educational) nonprofit organization focused on research and programs that promote sustainable economic development. Magellan Center is funded through membership and event fees, donations from individuals and organizations, government and foundation grants, and fees for service, including research, publication, and the design and delivery of courses, events, and programs. Membership, sponsorship, and gifts may be tax deductible. Please visit www.magellancenter.org for more information.