Administration cites concern over inmate tension if they are deprived of cigarettes

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association (PSCOA) today assailed a decision by the Rendell administration to continue to pay inmates and not their own corrections officers if the state reaches a budget impasse, according to a story in today's edition of The Morning Call of Allentown.

"I can't even begin to describe the feeling of betrayal and disgust that Pennsylvania's corrections officers have right now," said PSCOA President Donald G. McNany. "The administration should explain to taxpayers why law-abiding state employees will struggle to pay their mortgages while convicted felons are continuing to get paychecks. Felons get enough for free."

In defending the decision, a spokesman for Gov. Edward G. Rendell told The Morning Call, "We believe that depriving prisoners of cigarettes would merely increase tension in already overcrowded prisons."

In response, McNany said, "That's ludicrous. Simply ludicrous. Corrections officers risk their lives each day, but we're now placating inmates. Regardless of where the money comes from that is used to pay inmates the right thing for the state to do is use those funds to take care of their people first."

Earlier this year, The Tribune-Review reported state prison inmates already receive 10 free postage stamps, all meals and even toilet paper each month. Food and snacks at the commissary are sold far below normal market value and co-pays for medicine are only $5. Earlier this year, inmates saw their cable television rates cut by $1.50.

"It seems to me there are plenty of ways to save money in the Department of Corrections," McNany said. "If you're a state inmate, not only do you get cable television in your own cell, but the Rendell Administration cut cable rates."

About the PSCOA

PSCOA proudly represents more than 10,000 men and women who patrol cellblocks and serve in our 26 state correctional institutions and forensic units. These corrections professionals stand between those who are incarcerated -- including the most violent and dangerous criminals -- and our communities.

SOURCE PSCOA

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