In contrast to the California system, neighboring Oregon and Nevada prisons sell their products to the general public. This is crazy, as millions of Californians could benefit from low-cost products. Oregon Prison Blue sells jeans, shirts and jackets to the public. The Array Corporation operates Prison Blues in a joint venture with the Oregon Department of Corrections. Prison Blues are sold throughout the United States and overseas. In Japan they are very popular.
In 1994 Oregon voters approved the “get tough” voter initiative, Measure 17, which requires prisoners to work in prison factories. Not only would prisoners be required to work, but they wouldn”t be paid. Not a cent. Measure 17 provided that any pay to prisoner workers would be taken and used to finance prison costs, restitution to victims, family support, fines, court costs and taxes. Measure 17 passed with a 71 percent majority and its provisions went into effect on April 1, 1995. In January of 2010, 88 percent of Oregon inmates participated in the work program, 69 percent worked 40 or more hours per week, six percent 30 to 39 hours per week, and 13 percent part-time.
Many companies do not want prison labor to compete against their workers who are often paid more. This is understandable. I propose that California Prison Industries be allowed to sell products to the public that are no longer made in the United States.
The conclusion of this commentary will be published tomorrow.
Joel Joseph is chairman of the Made in the USA Foundation. The foundation promotes American-made products.
