One of Gov. Bobby Jindal’s key financial initiatives, the proposed sale of three Louisiana prisons, gets its first legislative hearing today. The House Appropriations Committee is scheduled to hear the bill this morning after months of public debate since the governor proposed the idea as a way to drum up cash for next year’s budget. Staff members of the Jindal administration spent the weekend trying to sway lawmakers. House leaders have predicted the proposal will have a rough time winning support in committee and an even harder time getting the backing of the full House. Jindal pitched the idea as a way to save money, arguing private companies could run the prisons more cheaply. Critics question whether the sale would damage public safety and increase state expenses in a few years, when the contract costs rise.
Today’s poll question: Will a bill to sell three state prisons be approved by the Legislature?
