Prison Health Care Privatization Jettisoned
On a unanimous vote, the JFC turned down Gov. Jim Doyle's proposal to privatize health care services for state inmates. "It was a bold move by the governor, but I ust don't think we're ready for it at this point," said JFC Co-Chair Scott Fitzgerald.
The committee chose alternative B1 in budget paper 221, which reads as follows: "Delete the Governor's recommendation regarding health care staffing. Transfer $12,789,300 GPR in 2006-07 associated with the 124.45 GPR positions to the Committee's supplemental appropriation. Direct the Department to submit a plan, not later than January 2, 2006, regarding the manner in which the Department will manage correctional health care and health care costs in 2006-07. If the Department intends to contract for health care, the plan should specify the contract provisions and costs. If the Department does not contract for health care, the plan should specify how Corrections will address correctional health care needs. Funding could be released and positions adjusted after the plan is approved by the Committee."
Budget paper 221
The committee voted 14-2 to create a pilot program under which a private contractor would supply and distribute at one DOC adult institution. The motion dictates that a contract will only be rewarded ifa cost savings is realized as a result of the contractor.
