If you mean, with the voters? Almost nothing.

It you mean, in the ability to get votes in the next election through adequate funding? It means a lot.

The prison union (among others) is a heavy, heavy funder of politicians here in CA (and I assume other places). Obviously they benefit from having more customers^Hprisoners; hence, politicians are willing to vote for legislation in their favor, to keep the money flowing for the next election.

This should surprise no one.