If California’s prisoners did not make many of the goods used by the state’s agencies, its economy would be negatively affected.
A 2010 report said sales would decline $295.5 million, state household income would decline $75.6 million, and 1,170.5 jobs would be lost statewide.
The California Prison Industry Authority employs about 619 free persons and about 6,010 inmates in its adult correctional institutions. They fabricate office furniture, mattresses and bedding, clothes, license plates and other items, used by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the public universities. Some facilities also have dairy and poultry farms.
CALPIA sales and in-state expenditures for fiscal year 2008-09 totaled $282.8 million. The total impact of CALPIA activities on the economy of the state of California was $497.1 million in sales, total household income impact $132.7 million, and total impact of 2,394 jobs.
Inmates work approximately 30 to 35 hours a week and receive wages of 35 cents to 95 cents per hour. CALPIA inmates contribute up to 55 percent of their wages to court-ordered restitution and fees. These contributions help crime victims and reduce court processing costs.
The report issued by the University of Nevada, Reno is called The Economic Impact of the California Prison Industry Authority on the California Economy for FY 2008/09.
More information about CalPIA can be found at www.calpia.ca.gov.
