Faction politics has turned a prison plan into a battle requiring a special legislative session. As that approaches, the two sides are preparing for the next round.
In the prison debate are two camps, one representing mainstream conservative thought and the other representing a more uncompromising political right.
Today, the battle ground for these two groups is drawn in the blueprints, plans, and budgets for a state prison that once seemed as close to a done deal as could be.
In one corner is the Freedom Caucus, a group of lawmakers who say this prison is an overpriced, overblown and ultimately unnecessary effort. Rapid City Republican Rep. Phil Jensen said his counterparts are missing the real issue – repeat offenses.
“Number one – we don’t need it," Jensen said. "Number two – it’s way too expensive and the ongoing maintenance and repair expenses are going to be through the roof. We’ve got 3,000 inmates that cycle in and cycle out throughout the year. 1,000 of those are technical parole violations, and we have failed to address that issue.”
Jensen also advocates for additional programs inside the current facility, which he believes will reduce recidivism rates.
In the other corner are more classical conservative groups within state government who have advocated for building this facility for years. Attorney General and Republican Congressional candidate Marty Jackley said this isn’t a question about jailing offenders.
“We feel this isn’t about incarceration," Jackley said. "It’s about replacing an outdated facility to address overcrowding and make it safer for, not just our prison guards, but our prisoners. We’ve certainly weighed in, but we’re respectful that this is for the Legislature to decide.”
The special session of the state legislature begins September 23rd in Pierre.