Reply #6: Here are some things to ponder:

[spindrifter]

In Washington State prisoners were earning money in a variety of prison industries. Unfortunately, this conflicted with some unionized businesses. Consequently, those enterprises had to go.
Another problem--wages for prisoners are very low. Many owe huge amounts of restitution and other case-related financial obligations. Their earnings are applied--in large part to those obligations first.
Finally, please remember that there are a large number of people in prison who would like to work, but have psychological issues that interfere with that desire.