Along with the notable success of bringing a BMW auto and Bridgestone tire plant, South Carolina recently recruited a furniture manufacturer, Kwalu, from South Africa by offering a building and other incentives in a prison. This new furniture factory will provide jobs for 200 to 300 workers who are paid prevailing wage. One company is trying to make inroads in helping to grow Florida's economy. The success of this prison work program can serve as a model, both to help private companies in need of a reliable labor source and to provide those on welfare and in prison with the discipline and training needed to function in society. Florida's economic future depends on its citizens being productive, including those in prison and those rebuilding their lives free of welfare assistance.
Businesses typically cite lack of skilled labor as a reason for sending work overseas.
By strengthening partnerships with successful prison work programs, businesses can also strengthen Florida's potential for retention, growth and recruitment for new companies. At the same time, the public benefits from a lower cost of incarceration, and from a reduction in the frequency of crime by former inmates. This is neither a new nor a radical concept. She wrote this column for the Sun-Sentinel. Translate this page automatically.