Clyburn Seeks Action on Inmate Calling Rates
Despite FCC reform of inmate calling service rates, some ICS companies “continue to fight to keep their excessive profits flowing,” Commissioner Mignon Clyburn said in a blog post Tuesday. Some jurisdictions are as guilty as the provider, said Clyburn, who…
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has backed past FCC actions in this area. “Exclusive contracts granted on the basis of the highest payment to correctional facilities represent one of the most glaring examples of market failure I have witnessed in my 18 years as a regulatory commissioner.” Clyburn remains hopeful the problem can be fixed, she said. “Some states and localities are actually moving forward, instituting changes, and making tough decisions to forgo financial gain for the betterment of the correctional officers, inmates and the loved ones left behind.” Praising a bill by House Democrat and Senator-elect Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and recent resolutions by Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., Clyburn asked, “Given that the median income of a male inmate before incarceration is $19,650, how do you suppose he (or the family left behind) can be expected to pay a phone bill that is 8800% higher than before he began his sentence?”