House Backs Irvin’s Bill to Replace Funding Cut by Wolf for State’s Correctional Institutions
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today approved legislation authored by Rep. Rich Irvin (R-Huntingdon/Centre/Mifflin) that would restore $939 million in funding that was cut from the 2015-16 state budget by Gov. Tom Wolf to fund the state’s correctional institutions (SCIs).
“The elimination of funding for SCIs was part of one of many line-item vetoes the governor made when signing the 2015-16 budget into law,” said Irvin. “The support of our correctional system is paramount to public safety, and for the governor to cut that funding was a calculated move to try and put pressure on the Legislature to agree to his massive tax increases in order to get the funding replaced. To play with the safety of the people of Pennsylvania and the livelihood of hundreds of men and women employed through our SCIs is simply wrong.”
Irvin has two SCIs in his district, State Correctional Institution Huntingdon and State Correctional Institution Smithfield. State Correctional Institution Benner is also located close to the district, with all three serving as major employers for the area.
“Our No. 1 priority in government is to ensure the health and safety of Commonwealth citizens,” said Irvin. “Without proper funding, we are putting public safety at risk. We also need to make sure those who work for the Department of Corrections have the resources needed to manage inmates safely and efficiently. The men and women who are employed in our prisons, many of whom who work under dangerous circumstances each day, deserve to know their efforts are being supported by the state.”
Irvin also noted that funding is needed for the rehabilitation efforts at the correctional institutions.
Wolf sent a letter this week to members of the General Assembly to let them know he planned to veto
House Bill 1801 and other legislative measures aimed at restoring critical funding he vetoed from the final budget partially signed into law on Dec. 29.
“It is surprising to me that the governor wishes to continue to put up roadblocks for funding priorities such as our correctional institutions, child advocacy centers and burn centers,” said Irvin. “These are essential facilities whose basic missions are the safety and well-being of citizens all across our state. I ask the governor to end the political games and do what is right and in the best interest of the public.”
House Bill 1801 now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Representative Rich Irvin
81st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
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