lack of competition results in soaring costs for prisoners The costs taxpayers spend to incarcerate men and women are often augmented by prisoners and their families, according to a study by Prison Policy Initiative (PPI). For the basic necessities state prisons do not provide, prisoners must find a way to fill this deficit. Prison commissaries are one method of transference of a state’s obligation to care for prisoners. The result, more often than not, is the enrichment of private companies that provide packages to prisoners, PPI … [Read more...] about Report: Prison commissaries have legal monopoly
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Louisiana prisoner denied life saving medical treatment
Three Louisiana prisoners are suing the state, claiming inmates have been denied life-saving drugs be- cause of cost, The Advocate reports. They contend the Hepatitis C medication is 95 per- cent effective in curing the virus, but multiple prisoners died before inmates were treated with the drug in 2016. The drug originally cost upwards of $100,000 when approved in 2014, The Advocate reported Feb. 9. The price has since dipped to about $10,000. “We’ve never refused medical treatment or care because of cost,” said prisons secretary … [Read more...] about Louisiana prisoner denied life saving medical treatment
Once facing a lifetime behind bars, some now offered a chance at freedom
Juveniles sentenced to die in California prisons now have the chance to go home—if they can prove they have rehabilitated. To help them achieve that goal, two attorneys are providing workshops to help juvenile offenders prepare for the Board of Parole Hearings that will determine their fate. “(Elizabeth) Calvin and (Heidi) Rummel are working to help those still behind bars prepare for parole hearings that they never expected to have.” That is why the pair went to Corcoran in September and were at Kern Valley State Prison a few weeks … [Read more...] about Once facing a lifetime behind bars, some now offered a chance at freedom