Gov. Rick Scott has announced plans to save tens of millions of dollars by shutting down seven prisons and four work camps in Florida on July 1, 2012.But Rep. Alan Williams (D-Tallahassee) is expressing concern about the employees who will be displaced as a result of the closures. A total of 1,300 filled and vacant positions will be eliminated as a result of the changes.
"I am saddened and disappointed with Governor Rick Scott's decision to close several correctional institutions that are economically vital to our rural communities,” Williams said. “I care about and have great concern for the people who work at these facilities, their families, and the small businesses that have relied upon the employment and economic opportunity that these prisons have brought to these fiscally constrained areas of our state.”
Two of closures are slated to occur in Williams’ district. They are the River Junction Work Camp in Chattahoochee and the Jefferson Correctional Institution.
Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Ken Tucker said that the closures are justified by the declining number of prisoners. Florida’s crime rate is currently at its lowest level in 40 years.
“Declining prison admissions has led to a surplus of prison beds, allowing us to pare down our budget shortfall by consolidating and closing our older, less efficient facilities,” said Corrections Secretary Ken Tucker. “We are committed to placing as many affected staff as possible in vacant positions for which they are qualified.”
Williams is asking the governor’s office to rework its plans for the state’s correctional institutions.
“I believe the governor's staff should reconsider the manner in which it is handling all these prison closings,” Williams said. “Rather than fully closing all seven of these facilities, I wonder if it wouldn't be more appropriate to consider restructuring the facilities, or even taking a closer look at the state's privatized prisons.