Cheap inmate labor bothers some Louisiana lawmakers

quote:

---

In Louisiana, state inmates are paid anywhere from 4 to 70 cents per hour to work in Baton Rouge state offices, including the Capitol building. The program has been in place for decades, and lawmakers voted Thursday (March 22) to expand it. But its making some state lawmakers, particularly African Americans, increasingly uncomfortable. "We're doing something that I think is just morally out of place," Rep. Ted James, D-Baton Rouge, said. The House Committee on the Administration of Criminal Justice approved legislation that would expand the types of jobs prisoners can perform at state buildings, but not before three African American lawmakers on the committee voiced their objections to the widespread use of inmate labor in state government. The bill is now headed to the House floor for consideration. "I am offended by this bill," said Rep. Barbara Norton, D-Shreveport.

---

quote:

---

In addition to saving the state money, LeBlanc said the prison labor program is beneficial to the inmates. They appreciate the work and sharpen their "soft skills" such as interacting with people outside of the prison system.

---

quote:

---

In previous interviews with prisoners who work at the Capitol, inmates said these jobs are sought after by offenders because it gets them outside the prison and lets them interact with more people. LeBlanc couldn't say how many inmates are currently working at state buildings and the governor's mansion, so it's not clear how much money the state saves by using inmate labor. Last year, the Department of Corrections said between 20 to 25 prisoners work in the Capitol every day, including weekends. Another 15 to 18 help take care of the Capitol grounds. Prisoners also clean the buildings that house the Department of Education, Board of Regents, some sheriffs' jails and Louisiana State Police facilities -- among other places. They intereact with lawmakers, lobbyists and journalists in the Capitol on a daily basis. (Full disclosure: This reporter's office in the Capitol is cleaned by a state inmate.)

---