WEATHER ALERT
Florida lawmakers confronted with prison problems
Read full article: Florida lawmakers confronted with prison problemsTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – When state lawmakers talk about Florida prisons, a trifecta of problems often comes up: staffing levels, health care costs and crumbling facilities. He said he fears that if longstanding prison issues are not addressed, it could ultimately result in a federal takeover of the prison system. In recent months, Inch has issued dire warnings to state lawmakers, saying years of budget cuts have contributed to anemic staffing levels, violence behind bars and inadequate treatment for inmates. The Senate president last week was also hesitant to endorse any major prison health-care changes. A new audit estimated the state could save $46 million a year if it moved away from a private contract for prison health-care services.