Gov. Schwarzenegger struck a deal with the state legislature for a controversial new program that could shave billions off the budget deficit. Critics argue it's "just plain stupid."

By George Wolfe

SACRAMENTO — As part of a package aimed at significantly reducing the state's $38 billion deficit, Gov. Schwarzenegger and legislators last night passed the Flexible Correctional Facilities Act that will transfer thousands of state inmates to "cost-effective portables."

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"A lot of our state's prisoners really don't need the complete security of traditional jails. It's overkill."

— Slim Schenkins,
(D — Whittier)

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The portables are inflatable, 10-foot-by-10-foot pens with an enclosed top, netting on all sides and an airtight rubber flap for a door. They are typically used as self-contained "bounce rooms" or "jump rooms" for kids' birthday parties in Southern California.

"A lot of our state's prisoners really don't need the complete security of traditional jails. It's overkill." says Slim Schenkins (D - Whittier). "It boils down to supply and demand. With so many inmates and so many of these portables, this legislative act provides a natural and painless solution for taxpayers and politicians alike."

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"74% of inmates said that, if housed in a portable jail, they would not flee."

— Rand Corporation study

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But while advocates noted how overcrowded schools have built extra classrooms on playgrounds with no negative consequences, critics questions the comparison and questioned the logic of housing dangerous inmates in such low-security facilities. Legislators were quick to point out that death row inmates would not be eligible for the portable jails.

Speaking at a news conference, the governor cited a study by the Rand Corporation which stated: "74% of inmates said that, if housed in a portable jail, they would not flee."

"Desperate times call for desperate measures," said Schenkins about the late-night legislative session. "But this at least puts us in the right direction. Look, it was late, we were tired; we had to do something or our constituents would accuse us of being irresponsible."