Lawmakers say Missouri inmates should keep cable TV channels

JEFFERSON CITY— A Missouri representative tried to make the case Thursday that the nearly $1 million it costs to pay for cable TV in state prisons is too much. But Rep. J. Eggleston's proposal to take away cable service and replace it with free antenna channels was met with resounding bipartisan resistance.

Prisoners pay for cable through a portion of the cost for small items such as sodas and candy bars bought at prison canteens, which are purchased using money inmates earn from working each day or from friends and family.

Eggleston said the money used for cable could be repurposed to fix prisons or create savings accounts for inmates for when they get released.

The committee largely opposed the idea, saying the inmates earned the money and the cable could be used as a disciplinary tool by being turned off.

Read more: http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/missouri/2017/01/26/lawmakers-say-missouri-inmates-should-keep-cable-tv-channels/97121164/