For Immediate Release
Tuesday, May 08, 2001
Statement from AFSCME Corrections United in Support of the Introduction of the Public Safety Act
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, (AFSCME) Corrections United applaud Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI), Representatives Ted Strickland (D-OH), John Sweeney (R-NY), Tim Holden (D-PA), and Steve Horn (R-CA) for reintroducing the Public Safety Act.
AFSCME Corrections United -- the nation's largest corrections union -- fully supports the persistence and dedication of these lawmakers to halt the proliferation of for-profit prisons through the Public Safety Act. The passage of this act would prohibit federal private prisons and would deny grants for correctional facilities to states and localities that operate private correctional facilities. By keeping prison operation a public function this bill would protect taxpayers by avoiding hidden costs and financial and legal liabilities.
AFSCME represents 60,000 corrections officers and 20,000 corrections employees - highly skilled and well-trained men and women who work in maximum-security facilities, state prisons and county jails. Unfortunately, in private prisons across the country, public safety has taken a back seat to corporate profit. In private prisons, cutting corners means hiring unqualified and poorly trained corrections personnel and understaffing facilities.
Incarcerating criminals is one of the most fundamental government responsibilities. It is crucial that this responsibility stays in the hands of public safety officers and elected officials. The bottom line for sworn state and local correctional officers is to protect our communities from those behind prison bars. The bottom line for corporations is profits. AFSCME Corrections United would like to urge other lawmakers on Capitol Hill to co-sponsor and support the Public Safety Act. It is the best protection we can offer to society.
