PA Senators Question Fast-Track Plan To Close Two State Prisons
by Tony Romeo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Pennsylvania Senators questioned the timing and motive of the Wolf Administration's plan to close two state prisons at a hearing on Monday.
Facing a budget deficit, the Wolf administration – citing a declining prison population – has announced plans to close two of five state prisons located in Allegheny, Luzerne, Mercer, Schuylkill, and Wayne Counties.
During a hearing Monday, Corrections Secretary John Wetzel defended the move.
"Absolutely not a political decision – absolutely. No one is forcing – this not a political decision," he said.
But some Senators, including Republican Lisa Baker, are not convinced.
"I do have to say there are many people who believe that this is a leverage to get a personal income tax increase, or some type of tax increase," she said.
Other senators questioned the speed of the decision on the prisons to be closed
Wetzel told Allegheny County Democrat Wayne Fontana why the decision will be made later this week.
WETZEL: "We need to have both facilities empty by July 1st to realize a whole year of savings."
FONTANA: "So it's about plugging a number into the budget?"
WETZEL: "Yes."
FONTANA: "OK. So that's somewhat political, I would say, if that's the reason."