Last night I attended a forum on private prisons in Maine. The forum was hosted by the Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition, and the Milo Town Hall was packed with residents. I was impressed by the thoughtfulness and passion of town residents, even as, quoting the Bangor Daily News today, "tempers flared." Earlier this session, the legislature tabled until next year LD 1095, which would authorize the transfer of Maine prisoners out of state to private prisons. Corrections Corporation of America is championing the legislation, which was sponsored by Senator Doug Thomas (R-Somerset). You can read more about private prisons in the ACLU of Ohio's report here. Maine already has more than enough prison beds. We really don't need to spend precious tax dollars so an out-of-state company can profit by locking up more Mainers.
