Monday’s legislative watchdog report cites financial statements from fiscal years 2012 to 2017, in which the program’s net worth declined by $6.7 million. The report stated that MPIC and the Legislature should seriously consider whether the state’s prison industry program has a future. If so, then what operational and legislative changes could be made to ensure a positive outcome. Mississippi Prison Industries is an organization that provides work experience to Mississippi’s incarcerated adults. According to the corporation’s website, the corporation only makes a profit from inmate-made products such as furniture, clothing, metal fabrication and printing. Similar agencies have been established by the federal Bureau of Prisons and many states. They are believed to be able to help inmates get out of jail. According to the report, the primary purpose of the program is to provide inmates with meaningful activities that will lead to meaningful employment, in order to decrease recidivism. The review found that it was impossible to assess the program’s effect on recidivism because of a lack in records and data maintenance. The PEER report identifies key components to reducing recidivism. It includes providing employment services following an inmate’s release, providing certified technical skill training, and employing inmates in jobs that offer job prospects. According to the report, the committee has addressed financial sustainability in two other reports since 1990’s Mississippi Prison Industries Act. The report stated that “It is disturbing to note many of the same operational deficiencies identified in both the first review, which was conducted 24 years ago, as well as the second review in 2013,” and suggested that the Committee’s current review of Mississippi Prison Industries Corporation would continue. It suggests that the Board of Directors consider eliminating the least profitable entities and seeking bankruptcy protection to protect the corporation from creditors. If the Board of Directors doesn’t see any hope for the future of the corporation, the report recommends dissolving it altogether. The Legislature could also amend laws to transfer this program to the Mississippi Department of Corrections, according to the review. Only Mississippi and Florida, out of 49 states with such programs have non-profit corporations. MDOC Commissioner Pelicia Hall stated that the Mississippi Department of Corrections was working with MPIC to determine the best course of actions. “The primary goal of the department is to provide offenders with the greatest chance of successful re-entry.” Jeff Solari, interim CEO of MPIC, said that the Board of Directors will discuss the report in June. Solari stated in an email that the MPIC Board and Leadership team take this matter seriously and will send each MPIC Board member the PEER booklets for thorough review. “Our next board meeting will be in June, and at that time the Board as well as the Leadership team will have an opportunity to discuss the analysis, conclusions and recommendations of the PEER Committee. “The Board and Leadership teams will continue to monitor business operations and set goals. The board will decide on any and all comments or questions regarding the MPIC Report after the meeting.”_x000D