Pennsylvania Considers Closing State Prisons to Address Budget Deficit
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania government is contemplating the closure of two state prisons, the State Correctional Institution (SCI) Rockview in Centre County and Quehanna Boot Camp in Clearfield County, as part of efforts to balance the state budget and save an estimated $100 million annually.
Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration has indicated that it can proceed with these closures without legislative approval. While an initial announcement was expected by May, ongoing considerations have delayed decisions, with comments from the governor’s office remaining vague regarding timelines.
The proposal has garnered mixed reactions. Republicans, particularly legislators from affected areas, are concerned about significant job losses and economic repercussions in regions reliant on these facilities. State Rep. Dallas Kephart stated he is "doing everything I can to fight back" against the closures, while other local representatives echoed worries about insufficient job opportunities nearby.
Countering the opposition, some advocacy groups suggest that the state should prioritize the closure of facilities with documented environmental hazards and inefficiencies. Recommendations from a Department of Corrections steering committee have cited Rockview’s costly necessary upgrades and compromised security at Quehanna as reasons for consideration.
Despite expressing the need for cost savings, critics argue that the estimated financial benefits of shuttering these prisons might be overstated, as preliminary renovations have already occurred.
Public feedback is mandated prior to any closure announcement due to a law enacted by former Gov. Tom Wolf, ensuring community and stakeholder input. The Department of Corrections continues to assess options, but until a definitive plan is unveiled, the debate on the future of these institutions remains unresolved. The urgency of a budget deal by the June 30 deadline further complicates negotiations surrounding this issue.
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