Vasilinda: Closure of Jefferson Will Devastate Community

State Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, D-Tallahassee, wants the state Department of Corrections to reconsider closing the Jefferson Correctional Institute in Monticello.

The facility was one of seven state prisons the department announced Thursday among a statewide consolidation plan that is projected to save $14.9 million this year and $75.8 million in the next fiscal year.

While I understand that an argument can be made for closing some under-utilized prison facilities around Florida, I strongly believe that in the case of Jefferson Correctional Institution, the proposed closure of that facility would have an absolutely devastating effect on the local economy far beyond any savings that might be realized, Vasilinda posted in her objection to the closing on Facebook.

The good people of Jefferson County are honest, hard-working folks who, for decades, have been willing to accept the risk of housing 1,200 prisoners in their community. They understood that it was not just good for Jefferson Countys economy, but necessary for maintaining law and order throughout the state. Truly, the citizens of Jefferson County have made a major contribution to the downward trend in crime that Florida is experiencing. They should not be made to suffer now after having been faithful stewards of the responsibilities entrusted to them by the people of Florida.

The Jefferson closing will save the state $11.9 million and eliminate 177 correctional positions.