Working on databases from prison

Maine's remote work program is an incredibly promising development to prevent recidivism. The amazing thing about it is that it gives real jobs to prisoners that they can seamlessly continue after they get out of prison. Normally when you get out, it's impossible to get a job, and the clock is ticking. This leads to desperation, which leads to bad behavior.

There is a real risk of exploitation, but if it's properly managed, remote work for prisoners is one of the most hopeful things I've heard about the prison system. It gives people purpose while there and an avenue to success once they're out.

Do participants get paid a real wage?

Preston was free to negotiate his pay with us, and we pay him a full salary. Just no health care benefits.

Does he actually get the salary, or does the prison take huge overhead?

they take an (actually very reasonable) cut, but he is free to take his salary.

No cut is reasonable.

Don't you suppose that it's "fair" to request compensation for the room and board if the person is making a "fair" wage?

No. Prisons should cost society money. If you are taking away someone’s freedoms, there should be a high cost so you don’t do it flippantly when another solution will work.