The Associated Press via CBS News
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Faced with opposition from Republicans and Democrats alike, Senate President Mike Haridopolos cut off debate Tuesday on a South Florida prison privatization plan that once seemed likely to be approved and now is being harshly criticized.
Haridopolos had to extend the time for debate after a series of harangues, ranging from questions about the real cost-savings to the possibility of thousands of prison employees losing their jobs in a still-sputtering economy. Finally, he postponed further discussion until Wednesday.
Senate budget chief JD Alexander and rules chair John Thrasher argued that prison privatization will offer savings that can be put toward hiring teachers and other public services.
Even some of their Republican colleagues said they didn’t buy it. Nearly 4,000 prison workers’ jobs in 26 facilities could be affected.
Full Story: Prison privatization plan debated in Fla. Senate