Minn. House GOP proposes public safety trims, slashes human rights department
ST. PAUL, Minn. - State House Republicans proposed Tuesday that Minnesota prisoners be forced to make a $5 co-pay for every visit they make to a health care provider.
That's just one proposal in the House GOP's proposed two-year budget for public safety and corrections. The Republican plan proposes spending about $1 billion on corrections and other public safety programs, about $55 million less than what Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton has proposed.
The GOP would achieve those savings with cuts to programs for crime victims and battered women, reductions in spending at the state Department of Corrections and Bureau of Criminal Affairs, and shifts to the state general fund from a handful of special revenue funds including a state fire safety account that has funded training for firefighters.
The Republican proposal would trim pension benefits for all Department of Corrections employees who don't directly guard prisoners. State Corrections Commissioner Thomas Roy told the committee that many non-guards still work with prisoners and face the same risks as guards.
House Republicans also proposed slashing more than half of state funding for the Department of Human Rights, which investigates charges of illegal discrimination.
Rep. Tony Cornish, R-Good Thunder, sponsor of the public safety budget bill, said the intent is that the Department of Human Rights would no longer provide education or outreach programs.
Another cost-saving measure in the bill would require that offenders with 60 days or less left in their sentences must serve that time in a county jail or workhouse, shifting the financial burden to county taxpayers.
*****************************************************************************
Prisoners must be provided reasonable health care under the Cruel and Unusual Punishment clause of the 8th Amendment to the Constitution. If they can't afford $5.00 then it must be provided free. Not that the GOP cares about the Constitution.
posted by apalinite on Mar. 22, 11 at 3:01 PM |
That's just one proposal in the House GOP's proposed two-year budget for public safety and corrections. The Republican plan proposes spending about $1 billion on corrections and other public safety programs, about $55 million less than what Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton has proposed.
The GOP would achieve those savings with cuts to programs for crime victims and battered women, reductions in spending at the state Department of Corrections and Bureau of Criminal Affairs, and shifts to the state general fund from a handful of special revenue funds including a state fire safety account that has funded training for firefighters.
The Republican proposal would trim pension benefits for all Department of Corrections employees who don't directly guard prisoners. State Corrections Commissioner Thomas Roy told the committee that many non-guards still work with prisoners and face the same risks as guards.
House Republicans also proposed slashing more than half of state funding for the Department of Human Rights, which investigates charges of illegal discrimination.
Rep. Tony Cornish, R-Good Thunder, sponsor of the public safety budget bill, said the intent is that the Department of Human Rights would no longer provide education or outreach programs.
Another cost-saving measure in the bill would require that offenders with 60 days or less left in their sentences must serve that time in a county jail or workhouse, shifting the financial burden to county taxpayers.
*****************************************************************************
Prisoners must be provided reasonable health care under the Cruel and Unusual Punishment clause of the 8th Amendment to the Constitution. If they can't afford $5.00 then it must be provided free. Not that the GOP cares about the Constitution.
posted by pitythefools on Mar. 22, 11 at 2:19 PM |
It makes me curious where they'll be shifting that money to? They have a history of doing this and not telling the public about it until after the fact.
posted by cags777 on Mar. 22, 11 at 2:25 PM |
"State House Republicans are proposing that Minnesota prisoners be forced to come up with a $5 co-pay for every visit they make to a health care provider."***** What happens if they don't have the co-pay?
posted by alaskanred on Mar. 22, 11 at 2:43 PM |
"Republicans propose a $12 million cut to programs for crime victims and battered women."******* I would love to see the details involved.
posted by alaskanred on Mar. 22, 11 at 2:44 PM |
Cutting programs for battered and abused women seems heartless. Requiring prisoners to pay for health care would seem to assume they have a means of earning money while in prison. These seem to undermine the claims that they would achieve savings through efficiency and reduction of fraud. Frankly, reducing prison populations through more aggressive use of closely monitored parole might be positive but I doubt the Republicans' willingness to invest in more funds for parole oversight.
posted by marcasch on Mar. 22, 11 at 2:51 PM |
"Another cost-saving measure in the bill would require that offenders with 60 days or less in their sentences serve that time in a county jail or workhouse." How about instead, they spend it living with a House GOP rep?
posted by texas_technoman on Mar. 22, 11 at 2:54 PM |
Again, the first question from a journalist should be: What is the percentage of cut FROM THE INCREASE IN SPENDING
posted by patrickjd on Mar. 22, 11 at 2:54 PM |
Heck I have a $15,000.00 deductable policy so I pay all of my own costs up to 15K If I was smart I would drop my policy and do something that would put me in jail so all of you liberal's can pay for my medical bills When is enough enough
posted by verdepato on Mar. 22, 11 at 2:55 PM |
Again, the first question from a journalist should be: "What is the percentage of cuts FROM THE INCREASE IN SPENDING in the next 2 years?". Not Slash or Trim.
The tax increases on the middle class proposed by the republicans just get worse and worse. Now they want counties to house state prisoners! Who is going to pay for that? We are through higher property taxes, that's who. I thought republicans were against unfunded govt mandates? Guess not when it comes down to middle vs upper class paying the bill.posted by patrickjd on Mar. 22, 11 at 2:59 PM |
posted by apalinite on Mar. 22, 11 at 3:01 PM |
Cut the Human Rights department budget down to nothing? Well I guess that makes sense since Republicans have the money to buy their rights...the poor and middle class have to depend on the govt to make sure they are not being taken advantage. I hope everyone sees what's going on here?
posted by mose0155 on Mar. 22, 11 at 3:50 PM |
posted by apalinite on Mar. 22, 11 at 3:05 PM |
If inmates can afford candy from commissary, they can afford a $5 co-pay. This mainly gets them thinking about if they really want to go to the doctor. The services are paid for by state and local government, they are not "free."
posted by furguson11 on Mar. 22, 11 at 3:06 PM |
Will these legislators also be required to provide a $5 co-pay for their office visits or will they continue to receive their free socialized healthcare?
posted by type11 on Mar. 22, 11 at 3:07 PM |
@cags777, how can you shift money you don't have? Or are you forgetting about the 5bil deficit?
posted by drposter on Mar. 22, 11 at 3:10 PM |
So, if I read the 3rd paragraph correctly, the GOP wants to cut programs for battered women and crime victims. I am just stunned with their narrow thinking and and injustice. They claim to be the party of family values. The only values they seem to have any part of is keeping the rich and making them richer. They can dig in their heels and say no to not having the top-top-top earners pay a higher tax, and I just hope that when they see St. Peter at the Holy Gates that Peter gives a quick u-turn to Hell beause that's what they're doing to countless battered women and crime victims.
posted by clarissagal on Mar. 22, 11 at 3:11 PM |
Time to trim the fat. Finally we have people who realizes we need a good hard diet before were dead. Thank You GOP!!!
posted by nortcyd on Mar. 22, 11 at 3:13 PM |
I'd rather kick in a few more $$ in taxes every month than cut most of the stuff the legislature is proposing.
posted by TerrellBrown on Mar. 22, 11 at 3:35 PM |
Yes, you read it right here folks! Here is your fiscal conservatism at work in the legislature. Next time vote better!
posted by dgmcp on Mar. 22, 11 at 3:45 PM |
Isn't transferring prisoners to County jails or workhouses just shifting the tax burden to local governments? That's just going to increase property taxes even more. Ask your local sheriff how much it costs to house a prisoner for 60 days.
I have an idea. Quit throwing so many people in jail for bogus crimes. Quit wasting court and police time prosecuting and arresting some schmuck who sold some other schmuck $15 worth of pot. America has more people in our jails than ANY other country in the WORLD. Take a look at how much money is being made off the privatization of our jailing system. It is an ungodly amount of money that we as taxpayers are paying for. Want our government to spend less money on corrections? Tell them to quit sending people to jail for long periods of time for piddly little crimes.posted by winnerie on Mar. 22, 11 at 3:46 PM |
posted by mose0155 on Mar. 22, 11 at 3:50 PM |
The GOP wants to cut programs for battered women so they can afford to give tax cuts to millionaires. - Sickening. posted by hotdigitydog-----Do you have any information about these tax cuts to millionaires? Have not heard One proposal like this!
posted by jimmy123 on Mar. 22, 11 at 4:29 PM |
posted by joedenabor on Mar. 22, 11 at 3:51 PM |
Other than the usual "tax everyone else, but not ME" mantra of the left, does anyone on the left have any ideas on balanceing the budget? Haven't heard anything but complaining. Where are your ideas.
posted by joedenabor on Mar. 22, 11 at 3:56 PM |
"If inmates can afford candy from commissary, they can afford a $5 co-pay. This mainly gets them thinking about if they really want to go to the doctor. The services are paid for by state and local government, they are not 'free.'" posted by furguson11 on Mar. 22, 11 at 3:06 PM********* I guess if they spend their money not know that they will need to go to the doctor or because they know they won't be denied service.... then what?
posted by alaskanred on Mar. 22, 11 at 3:57 PM |
"Another cost-saving measure in the bill would require that offenders with 60 days or less in their sentences serve that time in a county jail or workhouse." - This shifts the costs of jailing someone to the county level, and means the State is pretty much off the hook for 60 days of incarceration. It means local property taxes will pay for someone, instead of the State income tax. If you have a State prison near you, then you are so (bleep).
posted by jrspaceman on Mar. 22, 11 at 3:59 PM |
Sounds like one of those Death Panels someone was talking about at the last election---i can`t remember who????
posted by richie on Mar. 22, 11 at 3:59 PM |
Republicans are proposing that Minnesota prisoners be forced to come up with a $5 co-pay for every visit they make to a health care provider. --------------------------- How many jobs will this create? How much money this save and how would they know this? And what happens when they don't pay? Will you charge them with a crime and sentence them to jail time? It is hard to take the citizen-legislators seriously.
posted by vegas2112 on Mar. 22, 11 at 4:00 PM |
Maybe the republicans can let all the prisons close so they can save a lot of money, and then eliminate all public police forces. We are a deep trouble with their crazy ideas.
posted by peoplepwr on Mar. 22, 11 at 4:01 PM |
Yesterday it was the elderly and poor and today it is abused women, I guess compassionate conservatism went out when Republicans and Conservatives started drinking from a new cup of Tea.
posted by millie67 on Mar. 22, 11 at 4:02 PM |
So lets see - now Republicans also hate crime victims and battered women on top of the middle class, sick and the elderly. What a disgrace!
type 11: comments have more impact when they are accurate. I believe that legislators pay co-pays like other state employees -- anywhere from $22-35 per visit, depending on health provider. Plus they have deductibles to meet each year, just like state employees. The days of co-pays and deductibles have been a part of the picture for many, many years. I certainly agree there is much to rip the current crop of legislators for, but let's keep the facts correct when venting.posted by joedanabor on Mar. 22, 11 at 4:28 PM |
posted by jimmy123 on Mar. 22, 11 at 4:29 PM |
Judging by the skew of "likes" versus "dislikes" on this topic, I'm guessing it's free Internet time at Stillwater State Prison. Take the $5 you'd spend on cheetos at the prison convenience store and pay a few bucks for your own healthcare! I'm tired of paying your way for everything. (guessing there won't be a lot of "like" clicks on this one!)
posted by thorn2455 on Mar. 22, 11 at 4:31 PM |
So, we all agree then. A $500 million increase is NOT a cut. Okay, we're making progress.
posted by patrickjd on Mar. 22, 11 at 4:38 PM |
Posted by thorn2455: "(guessing there won't be a lot of "like" clicks on this one!)" *** Why would you expect any positive feedback? You don't have anything positive or constructive to say.
posted by Zombiehunter on Mar. 22, 11 at 4:48 PM |
"I guess compassionate conservatism went out when Republicans and Conservatives started drinking from a new cup of Tea" - You bet! It was nothing but BushBS and liberal lite. I'm not up on liberal accounting - what is the going rate on "compassion" today? How much of my money is your guilty conscience going to cost me today?
posted by katnllc on Mar. 22, 11 at 4:48 PM |
The cutting of the prison budget is a great idea.Why arrest anyone nobody does prison time now based on statutory punishable by guidelines attached to all criminal offenses.Treatment and lenient sentences do not stop crime problem or keep public safe.To many societal misfits in state and country.
posted by jburchett on Mar. 22, 11 at 4:51 PM |
State GOP is shooting themselves in the foot by proposing these severe public safety cuts. .
posted by samson2500 on Mar. 22, 11 at 4:55 PM |
I guess they have to come up with "something" now that their hand is forced. But really people, this is all "nothing."
posted by dmpablo on Mar. 22, 11 at 4:56 PM |
So, tell me how many prisoners have a bank account in jail and or access to cash? First the health care cuts now this. I'm ashamed for the GOP. They should be cutting on the amount of taxes we pay for warlies. I'll be happy to pay the same taxes, but would prefer that my money not go to the lies of war and more towards helping minnesota. I am sure most people would like to see thier tax money better spent and not 60%+ percent of it to contribute to the warlies. Leaders of embarressing solutions is what they are...
posted by thetruthurts on Mar. 22, 11 at 4:58 PM |
" (guessing there won't be a lot of "like" clicks on this one!)" - Only because it isn't prisoners in jail that would comment against the ridiculous comment. It's the middle class prisoners the republicans are creating that are fed up with the B.S.
posted by dmpablo on Mar. 22, 11 at 4:58 PM |
The old, sick, poor, young, jailed and the middle class are going to suffer under the GOP ideas. Oh yea, they want to give us a small tax cut instead of raising the taxes on the rich up to what the middle class pay.
posted by Steven on Mar. 22, 11 at 5:00 PM |
thetruthurts We are quit load and clear. You just don't like it. Raise taxes on the rich! Heard it that time? Doubt it.
posted by mybailout on Mar. 22, 11 at 5:08 PM |
GOP has a great opportunity here for making across the board cuts....please don't blow it!
posted by mamagriz on Mar. 22, 11 at 5:12 PM |
katnllc - Please explain liberal accounting, I cannot wait to see what you write and why would I have a guilty conscience?
posted by millie67 on Mar. 22, 11 at 5:13 PM |
Republicans propose a $12 million cut to programs for crime victims and battered women.
This should be okay, shouldn't it? Especially if, with the typical enlightenment we've come to expect from Republicans, they just add a couple clauses to the bill requiring women to keep their mouths shut when they're around their man, stay barefoot in winter, and pregnant in summer, there should be no reason to expect any more battering. The women's shelters can be closed down and things'll be hunky-dory, "no worries," right?
This should be okay, shouldn't it? Especially if, with the typical enlightenment we've come to expect from Republicans, they just add a couple clauses to the bill requiring women to keep their mouths shut when they're around their man, stay barefoot in winter, and pregnant in summer, there should be no reason to expect any more battering. The women's shelters can be closed down and things'll be hunky-dory, "no worries," right?
posted by gop4darkages on Mar. 22, 11 at 5:14 PM |
comments have more impact when they are accurate. I believe that legislators pay co-pays...posted by jimmy123 ------------ Well, as long as you have faith and believe, that should be good enough for everyone.
posted by vegas2112 on Mar. 22, 11 at 5:16 PM |
Why not everyone that wants these people to pay nothing increase their check to the state on April 15? I'm guessing none on the left will. Sad.
posted by commoncent4 on Mar. 22, 11 at 5:17 PM |
I cannot wait to see what you write and why would I have a guilty conscience?+++++++++many who have a guilty conscience because they do nothing to help their fellow man often are liberals. Their way of dealing with their guilt is to advocate that the state take care of the charitable work they should be doing themselves. Pretty simple stuff...really.
posted by commoncent4 on Mar. 22, 11 at 5:20 PM |
@commoncent4 --"many who have a guilty conscience because they do nothing to help their fellow man often are liberals." --- . ..You make no sense.
posted by samson2500 on Mar. 22, 11 at 5:25 PM |
"Heck I have a $15,000.00 deductable policy so I pay all of my own costs up to 15K If I was smart I would drop my policy and do something that would put me in jail so all of you liberal's can pay for my medical bills When is enough enough posted by verdepato" ----- You are correct. According to the Constitution of the United States 8th Amendment prisoners must be provided reasonable health care. Even prisoners are assured free health care. Funny how the average citizen is not, the only industrialized nation on earth to deny what every other nation sees as a basic human right.
posted by pitythefools on Mar. 22, 11 at 5:28 PM |
You are correct. According to the Constitution of the United States 8th Amendment prisoners must be provided reasonable health care. Even prisoners are assured free health care. Funny how the average citizen is not, the only industrialized nation on earth to deny what every other nation sees as a basic human right. posted by pitythefools-----You actually think they are going to say that if you don't have the $5 on them at that time they are going to deny them care? Seriously....you don't believe that do you? They just get the money when they have it whether its while in jail or after release when they have an income.
posted by gopherfan10101 on Mar. 22, 11 at 5:35 PM |
How about they trim the drug war. A waste of money on victimless "crimes".
posted by landry1 on Mar. 22, 11 at 5:38 PM |
Especially if, with the typical enlightenment we've come to expect from Republicans, they just add a couple clauses to the bill requiring women to keep their mouths shut when they're around their man, stay barefoot in winter, and pregnant in summer, there should be no reason to expect any more battering. The women's shelters can be closed down and things'll be hunky-dory, "no worries," right? posted by gop4darkages--------------Yep...that's what is EXACTLY what they are saying. Yep...I'll even show you the proposal....What? You mean those things about being "barefoot in summer and pregnant in the winter" aren't in the proposal? Neither is the "keep their mouths shut when around their man" idea? Huh....funny. This cant be another case of some Liberal blowing this out of proportion is it? No, cant be! These are the same people who called the Wisconsin labor bill "Slavery". How can people who are so educated that they compared force labor with no pay to what happened in Wisconsin be wrong about this? We need to look again.....That stuff has GOT to be in there and true. After all, a liberal wrote it.....
posted by gopherfan10101 on Mar. 22, 11 at 5:44 PM |
Passing the costs on to the counties does absolutely nothing to the bottom line of the taxpayer - the goal is hopefully to reduce spending, not push it around into another bucket.
posted by ewilts on Mar. 22, 11 at 5:51 PM |
Let's see - hates middle class, elderly, poor, sick, crime victims and battered women. Yep - that's a Republican!
posted by joedanabor on Mar. 22, 11 at 5:56 PM |
The Republicans place an unfunded mandate on the Counties by placing state prisoners in County facilities. Next they will repeat the mantra that cities and counties are responsible for property taxes and blame them for paying for the housing prisoners that the state forces them to take.
posted by marcasch on Mar. 22, 11 at 6:00 PM |
"You actually think they are going to say that if you don't have the $5 on them at that time they are going to deny them care? Seriously....you don't believe that do you? They just get the money when they have it whether its while in jail or after release when they have an income." posted by gopherfan10101 on Mar. 22, 11 at 5:35 PM******* Let me guess. If they can't pay during their sentence, we add to their time or after their release, we would put them back in jail. Saving the tax payer money... lol.
posted by alaskanred on Mar. 22, 11 at 6:06 PM |
Let me guess. If they can't pay during their sentence, we add to their time or after their release, we would put them back in jail. Saving the tax payer money... lol. posted by alaskanred------------Again...Where does it say that? You lefties cant pass up a good lie can you?
posted by gopherfan10101 on Mar. 22, 11 at 6:10 PM |
We really need to start having non-violent prisoners to the low skilled work that that government union workers are now doing for high salery/huge pension. We could pay them for their work, then they could afford to contribute much more than $5 to their health care. It a win-win for all!
posted by RF6700 on Mar. 22, 11 at 6:10 PM |
Awesome. Just awesome. It's estimated that at least half of those incarcerated have chemical dependency and mental health issues that have been under or untreated. So let's make it more difficult for them to be appropriately medically treated so that, when they are released, they are more likely to still be sick and be more likely to wind up back in prison - thus costing us more money in the end. And how are they supposed to come up with a medical co-pay when they are in prison?
posted by ade2309 on Mar. 22, 11 at 6:25 PM |
"We really need to start having non-violent prisoners to the low skilled work that that government union workers are now doing for high salery/huge pension. We could pay them for their work, then they could afford to contribute much more than $5 to their health care. It a win-win for all!" posted by RF6700 on Mar. 22, 11 at 6:10 PM************ "High salery/huge pension"? lol... you must work at grocery store or something if you think they are high salary.
posted by alaskanred on Mar. 22, 11 at 6:27 PM |
"You actually think they are going to say that if you don't have the $5 on them at that time they are going to deny them care? Seriously....you don't believe that do you? They just get the money when they have it whether its while in jail or after release when they have an income. posted by gopherfan10101" ------ Under GOP control? They'll throw them in debtors prison. After they treat them for free.
posted by pitythefools on Mar. 22, 11 at 6:28 PM |
Seriously, gopherfan10101. The SCOTUS did NOT say prisoners could be charged for health care. They specifically said that prisoners were entitled to "reasonable" health care. They said nothing about charging the prisoner for it. If the GOP tries this move, it will go all the way to the SCOTUS. Why doesn't the GOP try to actually SOLVE the budget deficit, rather than playing around the edges, taking pot shots at all the people they hate - the poor, the elderly, the unfortunate. Quite transparent and pathetic. They don't think Independents, who decide elections, will remember these petty little proposals come the next election?
posted by pitythefools on Mar. 22, 11 at 6:37 PM |
Bad GOP....real BAD. Prepare for a "shellacking" at the next set of elections.
posted by apotter4511 on Mar. 22, 11 at 6:41 PM |
From what I understand, unless things have changed, I thought that prisoners 'earned' wages while in prison if they did meaningful work. So, they can pay their $5 CO-PAY NO PROBLEM *if* they want/need to see a physician. Sounds OK to me. Since when did prisoners think, in this day and age, that healthcare was FREE? A good lesson to be learned here for sure.
posted by johnsopinion on Mar. 22, 11 at 6:50 PM |
"The GOP would achieve those savings with cuts to programs for crime victims and battered women," Instead they'll hand the victim a brochure on how to avoid making your man angry.
posted by fishhead on Mar. 22, 11 at 6:57 PM |
taking pot shots at all the people they hate - the poor, the elderly, the unfortunate. Quite transparent and pathetic. They don't think Independents, who decide elections, will remember these petty little proposals come the next election? posted by pitythefools-------Seriously, what Conservative said they hate the poor, elderly, and the unfortunate? Please show and site the quote. You folks just love to make up stories. And yes, I do expect independent voters to remember this. I hope they don't care that a rapist has to pay a paltry $5 to get seen by a doctor when the taxpayer picks up the rest of the tab. You folks crack me up....pity the criminals and demean those who don't agree with you. I personally could care less what happens to some of these people in jail. What I get a kick out of is you people treat them like victims. The liberal logic is frightening.....
posted by gopherfan10101 on Mar. 22, 11 at 6:58 PM |
The liberal logic is frightening..... posted by gopherfan10101 on Mar. 22, 11 at 6:58 PM **** Not half has frightening as Regressive Legislation! Thank god we have a Democrat for Governor and President!
posted by joedanabor on Mar. 22, 11 at 7:06 PM |
When are they going to tell us where all the fat is in government?
posted by joeeeeee on Mar. 22, 11 at 7:13 PM |
fishhead - "The GOP would achieve those savings with cuts to programs for crime victims and battered women," Instead they'll hand the victim a brochure on how to avoid making your man angry. ------- They wouldn't even do that. They'd just say "Well, if you would have just stayed in the kitchen....."
posted by falcon1662 on Mar. 22, 11 at 7:14 PM |
posted by verdepato "If I was smart I would drop my policy and do something that would put me in jail so all of you liberal's can pay for my medical bills" Brilliant idea.
posted by walleyehunt8 on Mar. 22, 11 at 7:18 PM |
Aside from the obvious issues with the $5 co-pay for prisoner medical visits, how much is it going to cost for the bookkeeping and enforcement involved in this endeavor?
posted by rlwr51 on Mar. 22, 11 at 7:21 PM |
This is "going through the motions" and cost shifting. It's no different than what T-Paw did while governor. The motions part is saying that prisoners will have a co-pay, for those that can afford the co-pay. To me, no big deal, and not a big cost savings. The cost shifting is putting the burden on the County to house a prisoner for 60 days. Instead of the State paying, a County pays. Which ones, I don't know. But what is more efficient, a State prison, or a County prison? Does it cost us less to house a prisoner in a County jail? That's what I would like to know.
posted by jrspaceman on Mar. 22, 11 at 7:24 PM |
"Passing the costs on to the counties does absolutely nothing to the bottom line of the taxpayer" The Republicans learned all the tricks of Pawlenty's shell game.
posted by walleyehunt8 on Mar. 22, 11 at 7:24 PM |
Get rid of the marijuana laws that put people in jail, that would save a little money. If fines are meant to deter a crime, make them a percentage of the income of the offender.That would raise some revenue. A $200 fine could be 50% of one persons income - a deterrent and an hour of work for another - not really a deterrent.
posted by rlwr51 on Mar. 22, 11 at 7:26 PM |
So is the real reason liberals are worried about convicts, A) less union prison guards will be need to transport criminals to the hospital, B) they feel a debt to the ones that voted illegally, or C) this effects too many of their relatives?
posted by hockeydadmn on Mar. 22, 11 at 7:32 PM |
"Rep. Tony Cornish, R-Good Thunder, sponsor of the public safety budget bill, said the intent is that the Department of Human Rights would no longer provide education or outreach programs." Genius. The only part of being in jail that gives a chance to reinsert oneself in society.. cut. I am sure then this genius will wonder why there is an increase in reincidence
posted by adjacent on Mar. 22, 11 at 7:36 PM |
"--Seriously, what Conservative said they hate the poor, elderly, and the unfortunate? " It is not what they say, gopherfan, is what they do.
posted by adjacent on Mar. 22, 11 at 7:44 PM |
We really need to get out of control democrat spending under control. I don't think anyone can argue with that, we just can't afford it.
posted by RF6700 on Mar. 22, 11 at 7:51 PM |
vorenus and gopherfan10101 - you have a tie, those are both funny. "Conservative said they hate the poor, elderly, and the unfortunate" and "all liberals are lazy, jobless and communists" Some people believe one or both are facts.
posted by hockeydadmn on Mar. 22, 11 at 7:51 PM |
Vorenus: "Seriously, what Conservative said they hate the poor, elderly, and the unfortunate? Please show and site the quote." Are you crazy? Conservative's would never say in public any thing that would make them look bad. They do it by passing laws aimed at the less fortunate (T-Paw's play book).
posted by REDRANGER554 on Mar. 22, 11 at 7:52 PM |
Yep,let's save a few bucks now and never worry about tomorrow.
posted by mbreyfogle on Mar. 22, 11 at 7:54 PM |
Why not get rid of mortgage interest deductions and property tax deductions for 2nd homes/cabins? Or is this a way people earn money and are "productive"?
posted by rlwr51 on Mar. 22, 11 at 7:55 PM |
Really, GOP, really? Take money away from battered women programs, human rights investigation and other humanitarian programs that help those that are repressed rather than raise the taxes on those who have not been paying their fair share.... the extreme wealthy making $750,000 and more each year? ...... Obviously the wealthy donors of the GOP elected officials paid the right people to come into political power and pass laws favoring the wealthy.
posted by delefone on Mar. 22, 11 at 7:55 PM |
When do the wealthy and fortunate get to share in the belt tightening? Why is it the republicans are always asking the little people to sacrifice.
posted by kpersson8 on Mar. 22, 11 at 8:03 PM |
Question: The cuts for training fire departments, is this cutting the money that is collected by the state on every homeowners insurance policy (a tax) that was dedicated for fire safety and training? Is this another instance of creating a tax to provide a certain benefit and then taking that money and using it for something else? Does anyone have some knowledge of how this works?
posted by drdingbat on Mar. 22, 11 at 8:08 PM |
"We really need to get out of control democrat spending under control. I don't think anyone can argue with that, we just can't afford it." posted by RF6700 ...... Doesn't mean we have to kill and torture people to save a couple of pennies. This whole over taxed mantra is just a bunch of BS. It's been perpetrated by greedy narrow minded Mr. Potter/Lionel Barimore types that think that the game of "Life" is really the game of "Monopoly". And they think all the have nots are just lazy and no account. They've been decades conniving how to get it all to play into their pockets. Now they are making their big move.
posted by rds1449 on Mar. 22, 11 at 8:14 PM |
Yes, if you cut education and outreach from the Human Rights dept, then nobody knows how they're being discriminated against... and in a few years they can just close down that department too. I'm waiting to see, first above all, a bill that eliminates half of the house and senate seats. That would be a real step toward streamlining government. Fire yourselves first, then come for others.
posted by paige7 on Mar. 22, 11 at 8:18 PM |
"Department of Human Rights would no longer provide education or outreach programs."..........Perfect!! Take an otherwise remediable person and ensure they become a hardened criminal before you release them back into society. Penny wise, pound foolish. I thought you righties were wiser about money than that.
posted by stoneage on Mar. 22, 11 at 8:35 PM |
Not that I'm against it, but you have to think that if they're asking for $5.00 co-pays from prisoners, they're deep into the desperation stage.
posted by vorenus on Mar. 22, 11 at 8:35 PM |
RF6700--Why would the makers stop making. If the makers are the ones that are making money you do not have to worry. If we were to raise taxes on the rich, they will still be rich. If we were to cut taxes on the poor, they will still be poor. The differance between them is so great in this country, we could have to change the tax rates to 0%/70%/95% and the rich would still be the rich. And, I don't think that anyone has proposed anything even remotely close to this. So you can give up your arguement the the makers will stop making. They will still make, because that is what will keep them rich.
posted by martytoil on Mar. 22, 11 at 8:36 PM |
If we would stop catering to the criminal and start hanging the serious repeat offenders there would lot's less batterd women.
posted by floppertop on Mar. 22, 11 at 8:36 PM |
I’m not sure what is least expected here. That the GOP is simply doing what they said they would do last fall during their campaigns. Or that the Star Tribune makes sure to have headlines stating that anything other than raising taxes or supporting gigantic government results in women and children being hurt most. I’m glad the GOP has returned to its roots to fight the good fight against wasteful and ineffective government spending. I’m also saddened that the Minnesota Democrats continue to fight against their biggest enemy: taxpayers.
posted by rockpile12 on Mar. 22, 11 at 8:39 PM |
RF6700--Lets say you take one of your "makers" that makes 2,000,000 a year and tax them at 95%. They will take home 100,000. Lets say that we take one of your "takers" that makes 20,000 and tax them at 0%. They will take home 20,000. Please tell me that a single maker will stop making and become a taker so that they can take home 20,000 a year. Your logic does not work. Buy the way nobody, and I mean nobody is suggesting that the top tax rate is anywhere close to 95%.
posted by martytoil on Mar. 22, 11 at 8:41 PM |
Of course this makes more sense to republicans than charging wealthy a rate at least equal to what the rest of us pay. God, these guys are as brilliant as the light coming from a black hole.
posted by luv2lisn on Mar. 22, 11 at 8:42 PM |
You people realizez that most inmates make money while in prison right? Work programs? They get cable TV, etc- I think $5 is fair- I would also like to see the real numbers- I bet his "cut" is a reduction in another increase- and you bleeding hearts juwst cant help but spend more of other peoples money! People will die? Really? Without a Govt program, people will all of a sudden have no place to go, and just die? Really? Pass me some of that rose colored whatever you got going on
posted by lostinstpaul on Mar. 22, 11 at 8:52 PM |
Okay folks. Set aside the campaign talking point about "cutting the increase." These are real cuts from was spent last year. Less money to support victims of sexual assault. Less money to help battered families. Less money to help people who can't afford an attorney get access to justice. Less money for crime prevention programs. Less money. Less money. Less public safety.
posted by bobtracy on Mar. 22, 11 at 8:52 PM |
"If we would stop catering to the criminal and start hanging the serious repeat offenders there would lot's less batterd women." posted by floppertop on Mar. 22, 11 at 8:36 PM********** Your post is silly, but most battered women don't cooperate to have the boyfriend behind bars and the punishment isn't severe which is why I'm interest in what programs will be cut in that 12 million that would help those victims.
posted by alaskanred on Mar. 22, 11 at 8:53 PM |
" The Republican proposal would trim pension benefits for all Department of Corrections employees who don't directly guard prisoners. "--------------------- What's with this? We're supposed to believe that Corrections employees who deal with prisoners are "heros" Same with cops and firefighters. Everybody must share the pain except certain groups that are designated as "heros" and of course the wealthy because if the wealthy have to share the pain they will pack up and leave town and take their jobs with them.
posted by Stubbyxyz on Mar. 22, 11 at 9:29 PM |
$5 seems like a reasonable co-pay for a prisoners. I think they make small amounts of money from their work in prison and they should be able use that. Of course if they can't pay and they need medical attention they should not be refused.
posted by Stubbyxyz on Mar. 22, 11 at 9:32 PM |
No one should be surprised at Republicans showing what they are all about. Maybe there are no sick, poor, or elderly Republicans.
posted by jamerican on Mar. 22, 11 at 9:45 PM |
"You people realizez that most inmates make money while in prison right? Work programs? They get cable TV, etc- I think $5 is fair....">>>>>>>>>>Most inmates make less than $1 an hour. As for the cable TV, the state DOES NOT pay for that. The cost is paid by profits from the prison canteen operations from which inmates can purchase various items.
posted by equality651 on Mar. 22, 11 at 9:57 PM |
Can it be any more plain? Tax increases (ok, "fees") for the poor and tax breaks for those who already pay the least. Social engineering that pines for a return to the 1600s, with a talibangelical twist. Yep, when they said they wanted to "take the state back" they meant a few hundred years! It is CRIMINAL what the republicans have in mind for our state. Thankfully there is a veto pen ready to be wielded.
posted by smeeagain2 on Mar. 22, 11 at 10:02 PM |
Why a $5 co-pay...why not more.....don't get me wrong...I am totally for the argument against cruel and unusual punishment...but why should convicted (by a jury of their peers) men and women, receive better health care than all of us, law abiding citizens!!!! How many hard working, law abiding workers (who even have health care) have a $5 copay???? What is cruel and unusual punishment is the fact that law abiding citizens (that don't have such a luxurious health benefit becuz they are not in jail) pay for those who are.....
posted by maypow on Mar. 22, 11 at 10:10 PM |
I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again. ~William Penn - I wonder if the people who speak so much against helping others because they do not want the richest among us to pay more taxes understand that the greatest good is helping others, and that more wealth does not equate to more happiness. Very sad commentary on our current society.
posted by ztwoods on Mar. 22, 11 at 10:20 PM |
thetruthurts We are quit load and clear. You just don't like it. Raise taxes on the rich! Heard it that time? Doubt it. posted by mybailout ---- What in the name of reality are you taking about? Of course I believe in raising taxes on the rich...What comment did I post that makes you think otherwise? I apologies if one of my comments was not clear, but I assure you, I am very much for having the rich pay their fair share of taxes. Let me know what I said that made you think otherwise..ok? Thanks.
posted by thetruthurts on Mar. 22, 11 at 10:27 PM |
You can't lock a person up, taking away their means of livelihood and the chance to pay for their own health care, then charge them for what they are being denied by being in jail. It is unconstitutional.
posted by rlwr51 on Mar. 22, 11 at 10:34 PM |
Why only a $5 copay? Working people generally pay more than that, so prisoners shouldn't pay less than the average Minnesotan has to pay.
posted by Harlann on Mar. 22, 11 at 10:37 PM |
Asking convicted criminals to make a copay from what they earn is fine with me. Cutting funds even 1 penny to assistance programs for crime victims, including battered women, is a sign of people who lack a conscience. Oh, and as for those complaining about the tax rate, I would remind them we have in Minnesota the lowest income tax rate we have had in 40 years. In 1973, when Time ran their "Good Life" cover story about Minnesota, the top tax rate was over 15%. Just as Conservatives will ask how high is high enough, I ask them, "how low is low enough?" Remember that both Nevada and Texas have income tax rates of zero according the Tax Foundation. Despite this, according to the Department of Labor, both have higher unemployment rates than Minnesota, with Nevada's being the highest in the nation.
posted by daltrowitz on Mar. 22, 11 at 10:49 PM |
The GOP is still pushing the money for that phony-manufactured voter ID issue that's going to cost that state at least $20M, plus adding more costs pushed on to counties, cities and townships for high-speed internet. Guess they don't realize a lot of little small township halls (which have over 100 voters) don't have telephone lines installed. Funny how they can find money for that bogus bill, but want to throw battered women out of shelters and stop home-delivered meals to the elderly and disabled. The GOP is really screwed up on their values!
posted by clarissagal on Mar. 22, 11 at 10:55 PM |
jail should be tough...isnt it supposed to be "punishment". $5? They probably loose that in poker each day at noon. It alarms me some people are so liberal to think they deserve a cheap co pay to use free health care. Its been said here- why not just get locked up? Sounds a better deal than many working folks have.
posted by lostinstpaul on Mar. 22, 11 at 11:04 PM |
Despite this, according to the Department of Labor, both have higher unemployment rates than Minnesota, with Nevada's being the highest in the nation. posted by daltrowitz"""==== Whats their welfare payment per month? I bet MN pays them more
posted by lostinstpaul on Mar. 22, 11 at 11:05 PM |
Harlann - Why only a $5 copay? Working people generally pay more than that, so prisoners shouldn't pay less than the average Minnesotan has to pay. --------------- Then why should the wealthy have to pay less taxes than the average person pays? And prison wages are about .90 cents an hour for state run prisons.
posted by falcon1662 on Mar. 22, 11 at 11:10 PM |
"The GOP would achieve those savings with cuts to programs for crime victims and battered women," Add this to the growing evidence that the GOP are targeting the poorest and most vulnerable in our state to maintain tax breaks for the wealthiest of our citizens, who pay just 10% of their income in taxes compared to the 12% that middle class families are paying. Why do Minnesotans put up with these priorities? Disgusting and despicable.
posted by undead on Mar. 22, 11 at 11:50 PM |
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