Competition eyed for prison industry: Minimum wage touted for convicts.(Nation)

0 Comments | Washington Times, The, August, 1999 | by Vanderkam, Laura R.

Federal Prison Industries will have to compete with the private sector and pay inmates the minimum wage if new legislation before the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee on crime is approved. The subcommittee convened hearings on the Prison Industries Reform Act of 1999 yesterday. A provision in the Reform Act says "Federal Prison Industries (FPI) shall pay wages to all inmates who work in a prison industry .

. . at a rate not less than the Federal minimum wage from time to time in effect." The bill, introduced by Rep. Bill McCollum, chairman of the subcommittee and Florida Republican, enjoys widespread support among both parties. Rep. Robert C. Scott, Virginia Democrat and ranking member of the subcommittee, is a co-sponsor. "I believe that...