LETTER: Hip Replacement For a Death Row Inmate Is a Priority?

Connecticut public service workers have made considerable sacrifices to help Connecticut cope with the economic downturn, including multiple years of no raises and other givebacks. So with all the budget problems the state is facing, why are Connecticut taxpayers expected to foot the bill for a hip replacement for a death row inmate at the Northern Correctional Institution?

No one I know is against delivering appropriate medical attention to inmates. However, it’s troubling that the state doesn’t blink when closing prisons or releasing inmates prematurely because of budget problems, but treats a $45,000 hip replacement for a death row inmate as a priority.

It’s possible the state is required by law to provide this level of medical attention, but the Department of Correction could not confirm anything about this case to us. I am only raising this issue as a way to reflect on a lopsided equation. It would seem logical that we'd show the same level of concern for preserving vital public services that have a beneficial effect on society and our economy.

Joe Vecchitto

The writer is a state correctional officer and vice president of AFSCME Local 391, representing Dept. of Correction employees.