Apr 18, 2013
In response to an article by RICK MUIR PUBLISHED 18 APRIL 2013 11:58 in the “New Statesman” As conservative parties in nations across the pond attempt to emulate America’s Right Wing policies and initiatives, Rick Muir questions if replicating the “NEW” U.S. stance on imprisonment and criminal justice is warranted. Mr. Muir accurately depicts many of the [...]
Apr 13, 2013
Senators move quickly to rein in runaway prison program By Bob Sloan On Wednesday a proposed bill amending Nevada’s Prison Industries was debated before the state Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill, SB 478 was sponsored by the Senate Finance Committee, which is chaired by former Assemblywoman and now Senator Debbie Smith (D-13). Senator Smith explained the bill [...]
Apr 9, 2013
The contrast couldn’t be more stark. Michigan Republicans and Democrats are not even in the same book, let alone on the same page, when it comes to what politicians like to refer to as “our most precious resource” — our children. Michigan House Republicans approved a budget which will slash funding for the Department of Human Services, the [...]
Apr 8, 2013
By Bob Sloan – Other Business owners complain of unfair competition – When researching material for the Study of Nevada’s Prison Industry Program (released in January), I discovered that in addition to several steel fabrication companies, several other industries and manufacturers have come forward saying they’ve also been compromised by Nevada’s prison industry. These businesses [...]
Apr 3, 2013
by VLTP Executive Director, Bob Sloan A recent article from the Advocate and the American Independent caught my attention the other day…then it was picked up and republished by Salon yesterday. These articles help us to dissect how the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) involves themselves in issue specific initiatives in an effort of promoting their “free market,” [...]
Apr 3, 2013
Let’s see now, what have we learned from Bob Sloan’s experiences and articles about prison industries in Nevada? Among other things, they are not supposed to be competing with free market businesses, as well as paying the going wages. Well, there are furniture factories in Maine. Do you think that they were consulted about a [...]
Apr 2, 2013
By Bob Sloan Like the military/industrial complex, the criminal justice industrial complex is an interweaving of private business and government interests. Its twofold purpose is profit and social control. Its public rationale is the fight against crime. To accomplish the goals the public must be made to fear their neighbors, fellow employees…to walk in a [...]
Mar 31, 2013
On March 19th VLTP issued the organization’s first ever Transparency Award to Nevada Assembly Speaker, Marilyn Kirkpatrick (D-Clark Co.). This award was presented to Speaker Kirkpatrick by one of VLTP’s Nevada members last week. These awards are reserved for individuals who help make proposed or existing legislation transparent to their constituents. Speaker Kirkpatrick has questioned [...]
Mar 26, 2013
By Bob Sloan On Tuesday March 19th, the Nevada Board of Prison Commissioners (BPC) met in Carson City to discuss an assortment of prison related issues. Members of the BPC are: Governor Brian Sandoval, Attorney General, Catherine Cortez-Masto and Secretary of State, Ross Miller. Issues of: (a) realignment of state Parole and Probation responsibilities with [...]
Mar 13, 2013
By Justin Rohrlich Mar 12, 2013 1:21 pm From Minyanville… “The good news for the jobless? US industry is now in the throes of a “reshoring” trend… “The bad news? The Bureau of Prisons is angling to have as many reshored jobs as possible filled by federal prisoners.” Journalist Justin Rohrlich and VLTP Executive Director, Bob Sloan [...]
