Pennsylvania
FAMM urges Pennsylvania General Assembly to revise release mechanisms for people in prison due to COVID-19
Contact:
Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273
tlaino@famm.org
FAMM urges Pennsylvania General Assembly to revise release mechanisms for people in prison due to COVID-19
HARRISBURG – FAMM Pennsylvania State Policy Director Celeste Trusty sent a letter today to The Pennsylvania General Assembly, Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of corrections John Wetzel calling on the assembly to revise and implement release mechanisms in response to increased COVID-19 cases and deaths in Pennsylvania’s prisons.
“Our commonwealth simply can’t take necessary action on COVID-19 in prisons without the General Assembly stepping up and making this happen,” Trusty said. “The next wave of infections is happening right now, leaving incarcerated Pennsylvanians and their families terrified for their safety. Continued inaction from the General Assembly now is simply unacceptable.”
The Centers for Disease Control previously issued interim guidance on managing COVID-19 in correctional facilities, and reducing the prison population will help meet these guidelines.
For nearly three decades, FAMM has united the voices of affected families, the formerly incarcerated, and a range of stakeholders and advocates to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. FAMM’s focus on ending a one-size-fits-all punishment structure has led to reforms to sentencing and prison policies at the state and federal level and is paving the way to programs that support rehabilitation for the 94% of all prisoners who will return to our neighborhoods one day.
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FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safeguard taxpayer dollars and keep our communities safe. Founded in 1991, FAMM is helping transform America’s criminal justice system by uniting the voices of impacted families and individuals and elevating the issues all across the country.