Today, in a letter to Director Beth Skinner, the Iowa State Senate Democratic Caucus is urging the Iowa Department of Corrections to adequately support its medical services personnel and cease any privatization efforts. Senators Izaah Knox (D-Des Moines) and Janet Petersen (D-Des Moines) have released the following statement regarding the letter.
“Iowans expect responsible management and oversight of their state prison system,” Sen. Knox said. “The potential of entrusting those responsibilities to an out-of-state, for-profit corporation raises important concerns.”
“Time and time again we’ve seen privatization efforts lead to higher costs for taxpayers, diminished protections and benefits for workers, and weakened care for patients,” Sen. Petersen said. “Senate Democrats strongly urge Gov. Reynolds and the DOC to cease any steps toward privatization.”
“The healthcare professionals who work in Iowa’s correctional facilities put their health and safety on the line every day,” Sen. Knox said. “Their dedication deserves reinvigorated support and commitment from their state government.”
Sen. Knox is the Ranking Member on the Justice Systems budget subcommittee. Sen. Petersen is the Ranking Member on the Senate Appropriations Committee. The letter to Dir. Skinner, signed by the entire Iowa State Senate Democratic Caucus, is attached to this release.
