The prison-industrial complex is big business, and its political influence is huge. The California Correctional Peace Officers Association in California is scary. They massively outspend other unions in CA: at 1/10th the membership size of the state teacher's union, they spend as much or more annually on lobbying and campaign contributions. Lobbying by the CCPOA led to the passage of the nation's 'toughest' 3-strikes law. Most prison guards in CA earn over $70,000 annually and corrections is 11.2% of the state budge.
http://www.ncjrs.gov/App/Publications/abstract.aspx?ID=15271...