Why I Hate GEO Today

The budget chief of Florida's Senate, JD Alexander, just rammed through an eleventh hour "bailout for the private prison industry," according to the President of the PBA (Police Benevolent Association, a union). His amendment to the budget will close 3 state prisons and result in more than 630 state employees losing their jobs, even though their prison population fell short of projections (and they don't need extra beds). GEO is a huge player in Florida politics, being based in Boca-Raton, and already operating 4 facilities in the state. Now, they will be operating 7 facilities and adding more than 1,300 new beds. The GEO Group and Wackenhut (GEO's former name) have both made contributions to Mr. Alexander, which I'm sure had nothing to do with his handing them this wonderful gift (found that on Florida's Campaign Finance Database)