Posted: | March 28, 2013 02:47 PM |
---|---|
From: | Representative Mike Fleck and Rep. Neal P. Goodman |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | DOC Psychological Services Non-Outsourcing |
In the near future we will introduce a bill that will prohibit the outsourcing of psychological services provided within our state correctional facilities. We believe this work must remain public for the following reasons: These psychological services jobs are filled through our State Civil Service testing system. This selection process would not be available if the work is done privately. Psychological Services employees work on the cellblocks with Corrections Officers, nurses and others. They are part of a comprehensive in-house system of safety and security that allows us to operate our already overburdened prison system. These employees provide direct ongoing mental health services to some of the most dangerous people. They also help evaluate readiness for release from incarceration. Any effort to outsource psychological services in the state prisons puts both our communities and the prison workforce at risk. The operation of the Corrections system is a core government function. We believe this work to be fundamentally incompatible with the profit motive. Any cost savings are likely to be insignificant due to the relatively small number of positions associated with psychological services within Corrections. Please join us in co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation. If you have any questions regarding same please contact Kelly Roth in Representative Fleck’s office via email at kroth@pahousegop.com or by calling 787-3335. |
Introduced as HB1011