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Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos is speaking out about the prison privatization deal, ruled unconstitutional by a circuit judge last week.

The judge took issue with the deal, because it was passed using proviso language in the state budget and didn’t go through the normal legislative process. Haridopolos says even though the plans were put in the budget, there was plenty of opportunity for public input.

“Everyone knew what was in this bill. I don’t think anyone questioned what was in this bill. Anyone who implies we stuck this in, in the middle of the night is factually inaccurate,” said Haridopolos.

As of now the privatization plans for 18 South Florida prisons is off, but if the state decides to appeal the judge’s decision the plans will be allowed to move forward.