http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2013/02/14/prisons-are-like-nursing-homesyou-need-occupancy-to-be-high Comments On: "Prisons Are Like Nursing Homes—You Need Occupancy to Be High" by Brendan Kiley en-us Copyright 2013 The Stranger. All rights reserved. This RSS file is offered to individuals, The Stranger readers, and non-commercial organizations only. Any commercial websites wishing to use this RSS file, please contact The Stranger. webmaster@thestranger.com (The Stranger Webmaster) Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:01 -0700 Tue, 21 May 2013 13:15:00 -0700 Foundation http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss
We want prisoners to learn a trade that will lead to employment on the outside. We want them to develop a work ethic. Above all, we want prisoners doing something productive with their time behind bars rather than simply rotting. Otherwise we end up dealing with recidivism problems.

Education is all fine and dandy, but there's only so much you can do with a GED and a felony on your record. A shot at a second chance requires real work experience.

That being said, if the labor of prisoners is being used by private corporations, then they ought to be paid the prevailing wages they'd make on the open market. From that, in addition to taxes, I think it would be fair to deduct an appropriate amount for room and board and restitution. Child support (if any) should also be paid. Of the rest, some should be set aside as savings for when the prisoner is released and a small amount can be spent while behind bars.

In other words, pay them what their work is worth and teach them how to make an honest living.
Posted by Corydon]]> Thu, 14 Feb 2013 23:53:06 -0800 The Stranger Posted by Sych]]> Thu, 14 Feb 2013 21:29:04 -0800 The Stranger
None of that is "news" to anyone in Louisiana.

In contrast, up here, you get fired for marking down a TV at a school bake sale or stuff like that. A few expense reports with errors. DOwn there, they KNOW who's ripping off who, they know why, and most folks know exactly how much it is and who's getting a cut.
Posted by it's not even past]]> Thu, 14 Feb 2013 16:30:53 -0800 The Stranger
Over here in the civilized part of the state, prisoners have done software packaging.
Posted by skidmark]]> Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:53:13 -0800 The Stranger
"....huh, makes sense i guess"


Posted by geoff teardrop]]> Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:50:53 -0800 The Stranger Posted by wisepunk]]> Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:24:50 -0800 The Stranger Posted by Ballard Pimp]]> Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:59:38 -0800 The Stranger
http://www.nola.com/prisons
Posted by Nabokov's Nose]]> Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:46:04 -0800 The Stranger