Fight Brews Over Privatizing Prison Nurses

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - Governor Corbett's push for privatization of state services has barely begun, and already he's getting push-back from members of his own party on one idea.

Apart from privatization of liquor sales, Governor Corbett has created a panel to study other state services that could be turned over to the private sector and he has cited prison health services as one prime candidate. Now, two Republican lawmakers are backing legislation to block the outsourcing of prison nursing services.

Senator David Argall (at podium in photo) says doing so would be a danger to public. "We can't hand off really important public safety protections to the lowest bidder. I mean, that's just crazy."

Corbett spokesman Kevin Harley does not believe opposition from the governor's own party on this issue portends a rough ride for the overall privatization issue. "The governor is confident that, where it works, it can be done and will be done."

Harley also says Corbett would never to anything to reduce public safety.

Reported by Harrisburg Bureau Chief Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio 1060