KSTP is reporting- The decision to close the second-oldest prison in Minnesota continues to trouble some state lawmakers. They’ve been raising questions ever since May 15, when Gov. Tim Walz and legislative leaders announced the closing of the Stillwater prison as part of a budget deal.
It appears to be too late to do anything to stop the closure because, as of this week, about 400 of the 1,200 inmates have been transferred to other correctional facilities.
“I was notified two days before they had the press conference, so it came as a complete shock to me and the representatives of this district,” says Sen. Karin Housley, R-Stillwater, about the Stillwater closing announcement.
Housley and two other Republican Senators issued a news release earlier this month continuing to question the move.
“My first concern regarding the closing of Stillwater Prison was the lack of public hearings or discussion by the proper legislative committees that have jurisdiction in this area,” Sen. Warren Limmer, R-Maple Grove, says in the news release. “Stillwater Prison houses violent and predatory inmates, and after meeting with numerous area corrections officers, it is clear that the decision to close Stillwater is hasty and will do nothing but lead to the further erosion of public safety throughout Minnesota.”
The story goes on to say that- The 450 correctional workers at Stillwater will be offered jobs elsewhere in the system.
It should be remembered that AFSCME the Correctional Officers Union was never notified of this major change and opposed it.
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