We have inmates trimming right of ways, doing park work, etc. These are non violent offenders working off their time.
In too many states, they are not allowed to use inmates for any work that could be done by union road crews, etc. It is a shame to waste tax money both covering the living/guard costs for the prisoners, possibly increasing recidivism due to their inactivity, and paying all over again to have union workers performing those tasks at inflated pay and benefits rates. JMHO