Editorial: "Prisoner Problem" - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Editorial: "Prisoner Problem"

Posted: Updated:
  • Editorials

  • Tuesday, June 18 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-06-18 23:20:03 GMT
    The U. S. Supreme Court is expected to rule as soon as Thursday on a suit filed by Shelby County to strike down Section 5 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Section 5 requires that the Justice Department pre-approve
    The U. S. Supreme Court is expected to rule as soon as Thursday on a suit filed by Shelby County to strike down Section 5 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
  • Thursday, June 13 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-06-13 23:20:09 GMT
    Summertime is sun, fun, beaches, mountains, swimming pools, golf courses and yes for those in school, a break. But it can also be a special time to create lasting memories for families with children around
    Summertime is sun, fun, beaches, mountains, swimming pools, golf courses and yes for those in school, a break. But it can also be a special time to create lasting memories for families with children around
  • Tuesday, June 11 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-06-11 23:20:09 GMT
    The recent Map the Meal Gap report issued by Feeding America highlighted what we at the Montgomery Area Food Bank have been witnessing over the past several years- more families than ever are in need of
    The recent Map the Meal Gap report issued by Feeding America highlighted what we at the Montgomery Area Food Bank have been witnessing over the past several years- more families than ever are in need of
MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -

There's been a lot of talk lately about jobs and what the government is doing to create more opportunities for hardworking American's.

Would it be surprising to know that the same government that speaks of spurring job creation operates a company-Federal Prison Industries - that regularly wins contracts by outbidding businesses due in large part because of their ability to control labor costs utilizing prisoners? 

Try competing with a workforce with a maximum current wage of around $1.15 an hour.

[READ: Competing with prison labor, some businesses win, others lose]

The Tuscaloosa News reported that American Power Source, a military apparel manufacturer in Alabama and Mississippi, lost a contract to this government agency and will be forced to shutter both plants and lay off 261 people by November. 

Closer to home, Selma-based American Apparel, which also makes military clothing, closed its Fort Deposit plant, putting about 175 people out of work due to – you guessed it – being outbid by our Federal Prison Industries. 

The practice of our government operating a business using convicted felons that have done illegitimate things that are resulting in law abiding, tax-paying legitimate people losing their jobs must end and it must end now.

Here's how to contact Alabama's Representatives:

Senator Richard Shelby

Senator Jeff Sessions

Congresswoman Martha Roby

Congresswoman Terri Sewell

Congressman Mike Rogers

Copyright 2012  WSFA 12 News.  All rights reserved.