From The Journal Record:

Members of an Oklahoma House committee that allocates money to state prisons toured a 2,500-bed private prison in Lawton on Tuesday as they search for ways to house Oklahoma’s growing inmate population and replace crumbling state buildings. … Committee Chairman Rep. Randy Terrill said private facilities are one way to replace state prisons that, in some cases, are 100 years old.

… Not all members of the committee were eager to endorse private prisons as part of a solution to the state’s overcrowded prison system.

“I have concerns with privates – they’re in the business of profiteering over other people’s misery,” said state Rep. Richard Morrissette, D-Oklahoma City. “Their motive is to lock up more people.”

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