The News Tribune
TACOMA, Wash. - If any one of the statewide measures on the Nov. 6 ballot could be considered a “no-brainer,” it’s SJR 8212, which would allow inmates to participate in private work programs inside the state’s prisons.
This is what successful rehabilitation is all about. Giving inmates useful, productive jobs not only teaches good work habits but also makes them more employable upon release.
There wouldn’t be any argument about this at all -- and any need for SJR 8212 -- if it weren’t for a screwy state Supreme Court decision in 2004 that said privately contracted inmate work programs were unconstitutional.
That 5-to-4 ruling, which reversed a 5-to-4 ruling the previous year upholding such programs, turned on an overly literal interpretation of a longstanding constitutional ban on forced prison labor.
Regardless of its merits, the second ruling closed down highly successful work programs like Inside-Out Inc., which produced clothing and accessories at the Washington Corrections Center for Women at Purdy.
No one, not even ardent boosters of prison work programs like state Sen. Debbie Regala, D-Tacoma, wants to let them compete unfairly with private industry. Regala, who serves on a panel overseeing the prison work programs, points out that inmate employes must be paid comparable private-sector wages.
Any restitution, child support or similar debts owed by inmates are deducted from their wages. So prison contract work benefits victims and families as well. Prison conditions and security measures often add to the overhead costs for contract programs, Regala noted, further reducing any advantage an employer might have by using inmate workers.
Some work programs are run by nonprofit groups dedicated to helping inmates succeed in life after prison. They provide counseling and support as well as training in job skills.
SJR 8212 simply amends the constitution to allow contract work programs in state prisons. It specifically requires that such programs “not unfairly compete with Washington businesses as determined by law.”
A Correctional Industries Board, with members from business, labor, the public and the Legislature, will oversee the programs and ensure that they don’t pose unfair competition to private-sector businesses.
SJR 8212 passed the state Senate unanimously this year and cleared the House on an 83-15 vote. Such strong legislative support reflects the value lawmakers see in contract work programs that help inmates better themselves, pay debts and learn useful job skills. Voters should agree.
Copyright 2007 The News Tribune