TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - A divisive bill that would have
privatized South Florida prisons has failed to pass the Florida
Senate.
      The bill (SB 2038) died in a close 21-19 vote on Tuesday. A bloc
of Republicans had revolted against their own leadership that
pushed the prison privatization plan this legislative session.
      A group of corrections officers cheered in the Senate gallery as
the vote was announced.
      Nearly 4,000 prison jobs in 24 facilities in 18 South Florida
counties could have been affected.
      Lawmakers in support of privatization said it would save at
least $16.5 million a year. Opponents said a public safety duty
like corrections shouldn't be contracted out.
      Senate President Mike Haridopolos has said he would look for
cuts elsewhere if privatization failed. This year's state deficit
is more than $1 billion.

     
      (Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)