Lawmakers Want More Power Over Private Prison Rates
DENVER - The Legislature would have more flexibility in setting per diem inmate rates for private prisons under a bill introduced in the Colorado House.
Rep. Buffie McFadyen, D-Pueblo West, who introduced HB1363 with House Majority Leader Alice Madden, D-Boulder, said the bill is needed so the Colorado Department of Corrections may have more say in programs that private prisons should offer inmates to help the state reduce recidivism.
McFadyen is an outspoken critic of private prisons who often has said private prisons are in the business of housing inmates and don't care if they re-offend.
She said current practice gives private prison companies the maximum per diem rate without regard to the services they actually offer.
"The intent is we want more programmatically intense programs, especially for parole," McFadyen said. "We need to work harder making sure that we do have the programs available to reintegrate those inmates into society."
McFadyen said the bill, which is scheduled to be heard today in the House Judiciary Committee encourages private prisons to help the state reduce recidivism.
She singled out one such private prison company as Cornell, which operates the Cheyenne Mountain Re-Entry Center in Colorado Springs. Cornell specializes in programs designed to help inmates make the transition from incarnation to freedom, and it seems to be working.
McFadyen said the Legislature should reward companies such as that with a higher per diem so other private providers will see the benefit to offering similar programs.
Pueblo Chieftain
3 comments:
"Transition from incarnation to freedom." (??????)
Quite frankly, I look forward to the day I am discarnate. THAT is freedom.
Rep. Buffie McFadyen is the only political individual I can take tiny steps toward. The ONLY. Major trust issues shattered by severe deceit in the system.
There is no easy solution. Each inmate must take responsibility for their actions. When you are down, you will promise anything to get out, but you have to have the will to change. More evaluations that are not 20 years old in scope and subjectivity, more money for rehabilitation, and a basic change in the current cycle of prison, technical violations, and back to prison to fill the pockets of the politicians.
We have to put our foot down. Stop construction of all new prisons, public and private and make the DOC come up with more creative solutions. There are 7500 inmates that need drug rehabilitation and to be in less secure rehabiliation, but there is not the will to do it. It has worked elsewhere. Do we have the will to stop this mess?
Fire Michaud and Zavaras now. Get someone who is not a retired Denver Police chief and who knows how to rehabilitate, not count beds
Post a Comment