In the heart of the Great Plains, the state of South Dakota stands as a testament to resilience and innovation. Known for its sprawling landscapes and deep-rooted Native American heritage, this state is now at the center of a political proposition stirring significant conversation. Republican gubernatorial candidate Toby Doeden has put forth a plan reminiscent of former Governor Bill Janklow’s legacy. Doeden suggests that South Dakota rejuvenate its program to employ inmates, a practice he claims has dwindled over time.
Candidate Doeden emphasizes, “… what Governor Janklow did by putting the inmates to work was an effective program. That has largely gone away. We don’t do that anymore. So we’re paying to house criminals in our state prison system, many of which are nonviolent criminals, OK? So we’re paying to house them, but we’re getting nothing in return. Why aren’t we putting these folks to work, right?” This sentiment aims to revive a historical practice, but the underlying truth is more complex.
Toby Doeden
South Dakota, which garners much admiration for its iconic Mount Rushmore and the vibrant Black Hills, also houses the Pheasantland Industries program. Established in either the early 1920s or as far back as 1890, this initiative has been a cornerstone of the state’s correctional system for over a century. Unlike Doeden’s assertion, this program remains robust, with 165 offenders employed in various production roles in FY2025. These inmates are engaged in creating essential goods including license plates, signs, braille materials, and clothing, contributing to the state’s economy while gaining valuable skills.
The discussion on utilizing inmate labor unravels several perspectives about justice and rehabilitation. Some argue that incarcerating individuals without offering work opportunities represents a non-productive investment. In contrast, institutions like Pheasantland Industries challenge this notion by providing inmates with a path to rehabilitation through skill-building and responsibility, thus potentially reducing recidivism rates.
Bill Janklow
Doeden’s argument invokes the era of Bill Janklow, a South Dakota political stalwart whose effort to employ inmates is remembered with mixed emotions. While Doeden views this as a bold step towards reducing state expenses and re-integrating nonviolent offenders, it’s vital to recognize the ongoing operations at facilities like those managed by Pheasantland Industries as proof of continued progress. These programs are self-sustaining, turning an annual budget of $5,174,060 into positive revenue through the sales of carefully produced items.
Despite Toby Doeden’s insistence that much of South Dakota’s past practices have faded, the legacy of inmate labor remains strongly entrenched in the state’s corrections philosophy. Far from a defunct relic of the past, the current systems offer a blend of economic, rehabilitative, and social benefits, aligning with the traditional values that South Dakotans hold dear. In the current climate, where the balance of justice and economic pragmatism is of paramount concern, South Dakota’s historical model might serve as a blueprint for others navigating the complexities of modern corrections.
Ultimately, the conversation about inmate labor in South Dakota extends beyond the ideas proposed by Doeden or the historical precedent set by Janklow. It invites a broader discourse about how best to address issues of justice, workforce development, and state economic efficiency within the framework of modern society. As the gubernatorial race heats up, this debate not only echoes the voices of the past but also shapes the future direction of the state.
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Pheasantland Industries