Maryland inmates make as little as $0.17 per hour for voluntary prison employment and training, a stipend that one lawmaker compared to “slave labor” in support of legislation that would require the state to pay more.
Del. Terri Hill, D–Baltimore and Howard, wants to raise the stipend for all inmate work volunteers to as close to minimum wage as possible, helping them save money while incarcerated and equipping them to re-enter society without having to rely on their families –– or further criminal activity that could again land them behind bars –– for financial support.
“This bill attempts to allow Maryland to leave the vestiges of slavery and peonage behind,” Hill said in an online House Judiciary Committee hearing Jan. 26 that Capital News Service viewed.
Sen. Joanne Benson, D–Prince George’s, presented the bill, SB0194, to the Senate Finance committee Thursday afternoon.
Boosting prison pay to the prevailing Maryland minimum wage –– which by 2025 will reach $15 per hour for employers with 15 or more workers –– would cost the state more than $18 million in 2022.
How f’n stupid can people get. Only a politician could think of something like this
Because the politician gets a kick back. They will benefit from this increase.
So Democrats want to turn prison into a career choice???
While a noble dream, it really hasn’t been
thought through.
has anything lately
They get Tooo much now > NO MORE !!!
Then charge them the average rent, electric, cable, gym and heating amounts since they receive these benefits free..
exactly
Inmates are not there to be in a Retirement Home !!!
Give the Officers a Raise !!! The damn Govt don’t care about them !!! They deserve MORE than the Police !!!
Prisoners get Far too much in America !!! Not a Real jail or Prison here !!! Only Other countries have that !!!
Guess they will get the $15.00 per hr too , like the Free Public does !!!!
What a wonderful way for taxpayers to fund babydaddy payments, court costs, fines and such!