Criminal Justice Reform

Smart on Crime Reforms in 2017-18

  • Elizabeth Stelle, Marc LeBlond
  • December 20, 2018

“If it's failed policy, we should have the courage to leave it and let it go.” This poignant quote from former Senator Stewart Greenleaf encapsulates the essence of recent…

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Criminal Justice Reform

Unanimous Senate Vote Advances Criminal Justice Reform

  • May 2, 2018

The state Senate embraced criminal justice reform this week by unanimously passing three pieces of legislation comprising the Justice Reinvestment Initiative (JRI) II reforms. The first slate of JRI…

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Criminal Justice Reform

Budget Solution of the Week: Corrections Reform

  • January 13, 2017

The Department of Corrections (DOC) recently announced its intentions to close two state prisons and reduce capacity at community corrections facilities (halfway houses). These decisions will cut state incarceration…

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Criminal Justice Reform

Pennsylvania Passes Proven Prison Reform

  • June 29, 2012

Pennsylvania's inmate population and rate of recidivism have reached crisis levels in recent years.  Since 1980, Pennsylvania's inmate population increased over 500% between 1980 and 2009. …

Commentary

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Criminal Justice Reform

Real Corrections Reform, Right Now

  • May 14, 2012

Albert Einstein is said to have remarked that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. We the undersigned submit that unfortunately,…

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Government Accountability

The 70s Called, and Wants Its Legislators Back

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 15, 2010

State Rep. Frank Oliver announced he will be retiring at the end of his term.  This retirement – along with those of Sen. Bob Mellow, Sen. Barry Stout, and…

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Regulation

Smoking ban is bad for business, say casinos

  • Nathan Benefield
  • December 17, 2008

Pennsylvania’s slots casinos are complaining that the recently enacted state smoking ban is hurting their revenues (we told you so) and are asking that their exemption be increased…

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