I applaud the Governor for finding ways to spend less money rather than trying to find more "revenue" (i.e. taxes). As the most expensive prison the DOC operates, it
should be closed.
However, I'm not a fan of the proposed EZPass changes (elimination of the discount and capping monthly bills at $30). Even though I would benefit tremendously from the cap, the folks that use the roads the most should be paying their tolls to maintain them. In other words, why are we looking to penalize less frequent users of the toll roads by having them pay a proportionally larger toll when they do use those roads?
I still can't figure out where the savings have gone by switching to EZPass. Electronic toll collection costs 7 cents on the dollar compared with manual toll collection. Yet with EZPass in NH, not only didn't we realize the 93% cost reduction, our discount was reduced by 40% over tokens, then we were charged for transponders, and now they want to eliminate the discount altogether? Something isn't adding up there... Then again, if this is the same group that determined it was best to put the EZPass lanes in the middle, exact change on the left and cash on the right lanes of the plaza, it's no wonder it doesn't add up.
If we can house inmates more cost effectively in other facilities, do so. If we have liquor stores that are not profitable, close them. And if we need to stack inmates 4 to a bunk in a gym, I'm good with that, too. Abide by the law and you don't need worry about the DOC accommodations being to your liking.
