A Missouri representative proposed taking cable out of prisons and replacing it with a free TV antenna.
The recommendation was made to save the state nearly a million dollars a year.
In a committee the idea was met with bipartisan opposition, based on the fact the cable is paid for by the inmates from the cost of items purchased in the prison canteens from money earned by working each day and from family members.
Supporters argued the money could go to education programs or to savings accounts for inmates to use when they are released.