Pennsylvania’s prison population in 1980 was 7,865, but as of January 2010 the number was 51,391. This has led to serious overcrowding and mounting costs.
The House Appropriations Committee has taken note of a request from Corrections Secretary Jeffrey Beard to reforms of the statues to bring about a reduction in inmate population. In response, it appointed an ad hoc committee to meet with Beard to learn some of his proposals.
Acting on state Corrections Secretary Jeffrey Beard’s plea for legislative action geared to help reduce the inmate population, the House Appropriations Committee on Thursday formed an ad hoc committee. That panel will meet with Beard, the Board of Probation and Parole, and judiciary officials to discuss some of Beard’s proposals to effect prison changes.
A factor in stirring attention is the request for an increase in the prison budget of $137 million.
Among the proposed changes is review of the mandatory minimum sentencing requirements that preclude discretion by judges and shortening of sentences for participation in training programs and good behavior.
Another concern is the hardship to families resulting from 40% of the prisoners coming from the eastern part of Pennsylvania and the prisons tending to be located in mid-state and the west.
