Keokuk, IA – One Southeast Iowa lawmaker says he will push for more guards at the Iowa State Penitentiary. Iowa legislators will have to decide whether to upgrade the prison in Fort Madison or build a new facility. The age and the operating costs of the current facility will be major issues in the debate. Democratic Senator Gene Fraise of Fort Madison says the age of the facility has nothing to do with the cost of operations. Fraise says he will push for adding money to next year's budget for more guards at the Fort Madison prison. He says the facility is currently spending a lot of money on overtime. Fraise expects the Iowa Senate Democrats to soon come out, as a caucus, in favor of keeping the prison in Fort Madison.
Push for More Guards at Prison in SE Iowa
