A corrections program that provides employment for inmates would be enhanced under a bill heard Feb. 18 by the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.<\/p>\n
LB1080, introduced by Hastings Sen. Les Seiler, would increase the purchasing limit for Cornhusker State Industries (CSI) from $25,000 to $50,000. CSI, the state Department of Correctional Services industries program, provides employment for inmates.<\/p>\n
The bill also would allow recycling of materials used by CSI in the production of goods and services, and would allow CSI to retain the recycling proceeds.<\/p>\n
Seiler said CSI receives no general fund support and provides job training and other valuable skills to approximately 500 inmates on a daily basis. Those skills are essential, he said, in ensuring that inmates are able to successfully adjust to life upon release.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a key component of the department\u2019s reentry program,\u201d Seiler said.<\/p>\n
Jeremy Elder, assistant deputy director in charge of CSI, testified in support of the bill. CSI is self-supporting, he said, and the current cap on purchases of components and parts directly from vendors has not been increased since the 1980s.<\/p>\n
\u201c[The current cap] limits our ability to provide responsive customer service and obtain the best pricing,\u201d Elder said.<\/p>\n
No opponent testimony was offered and the committee advanced the bill to general file on a 7-0 vote.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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