Ohio prisons could soon become corporations if lawmakers pass a bill that would privatize up tohalf of the state's correctional facilities.
An e-mail sent by the Ernie Moore, the director of Ohio Department of Rehabilitation andCorrection, warned workers of the possibility, 10 Investigates' Paul Aker reported on Thursday.
Supporters of the bill said privatizing prisons could save tax dollars, but the prison system'sunion employees worry it means they will be out of work.
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The Ohio Civil Service Employees Association posted the news on its Web site and is planning fora statehouse battle.
"They're worried about, of course, the privatization of their jobs," said OCSEA UnionPresident Charlie Williamson.
The bill asks to study and plan for a hand-over of half of Ohio's prisons in the next couple ofyears.
"We see this as an opportunity to explain what we do and why it's important," Williamsonsaid.
Sen. Tim Grendell is co-sponsoring the bill. Grendell said the plan is about cutting costs, notcutting jobs, as lawmakers look for ways to close a looming $8 billion deficit.
Grendell said he hopes to hold hearings on the bill by August.
Union officials said the two prisons that already are privately run are not saving the state anymoney, but senate leaders think privatization could save between 10 to 20 percent a year.
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