FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 30, 2011
CONTACT: Mark Hollis
(850) 488-9622
Democratic Ranking Member Statement Regarding Prison Privatization Plan Ruled UnconstitutionalRep. Darryl Rouson (D-St. Petersburg), House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – State Rep. Darryl Rouson (D-St. Petersburg), the Democratic ranking member on the House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement regarding a circuit court ruling that a plan to privatize 29 Florida prisons is unconstitutional in the manner it was enacted by the Florida Legislature.
“Today’s ruling reaffirms that it is entirely inappropriate for legislative leaders to avoid a thorough debate about a controversial issue like prison privatization by tucking it in the fine print of the state budget.
“Privatizing prisons in Florida, and transferring state jobs to private companies, would be a major undertaking that, if considered at all, deserves sharp scrutiny by the Legislature and in the public eye. While I do not believe privatization is inherently wrong, there should be savings to the taxpayer and no compromise of public safety. Thus, full and fair debate is necessary."
The following link is to a copy of the order by Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford in the Second Judicial Circuit, Leon County:
Judge Fulford Sept. 30 Ruling re Prison Privatization
###
