AFP-PA Urges Pardons Board Meeting to Consider Addressing Commutation Backlog

Sep 1, 2020 by AFP

Harrisburg, Pa. – Americans for Prosperity-Pennsylvania (AFP-PA) today urged the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons to consider recommending commutation of incarcerated individuals serving life in prison in select cases where the release will not likely impact public safety. The Board will meet virtually on Wednesday, and incarcerated individuals will plead their case to the five-member committee, who must vote unanimously for the request to be sent to Governor Tom Wolf for his review.

AFP-PA State Director Ashley Klingensmith issued the following statement:

“Members of the pardon board must look within themselves to find compassion – particularly for the elderly and individuals with compromised immune systems in prisons where COVID-19 can be difficult to prevent and nearly impossible to contain. Keeping people who have earned a second chance in prison longer than necessary does not meaningfully improve public safety. It just keeps families apart. Reuniting these incarcerated individuals with their loved ones is exactly the kind of smart on crime, soft on taxpayer thinking Pennsylvania needs.”