Turzai Says Inmate Release is Inappropriate Overreach of Executive Authority

LMARSHALL TOWNSHIP, Allegheny County – Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) issued the following statement regarding the governor’s unilateral decision to release prisoners from state correctional facilities without detailing how the individuals will be supervised or returned to confinement after the emergency, among other issues:

“Gov. [Tom] Wolf’s action releasing prisoners today is an inappropriate overreach of executive authority that does not serve the public interest.”

“This decision to let out prisoners – especially while Pennsylvania citizens are adhering to a stay-at-home order – is irresponsible. We need to focus on staving off the virus with appropriate and balanced mitigation efforts and provision of personal protection equipment to our frontline health care professionals. We also need to make sure the economy does not collapse.

“Pennsylvania has almost 1.3 million unemployment compensation claims filed since March 15. We can let some folks work while adhering to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requirements and recommendations. Unlawfully releasing these prisoners sends the wrong message to law-abiding Pennsylvanians who are counting on government to restore normalcy in a safe and responsible manner.”

Representative Mike Turzai
Speaker of the House
28th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives