Toohil Issues Statement on MinSec
HAZLETON – State Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) today issued the following statement regarding the most recent development involving the MinSec pre-release corrections facility in downtown Hazleton.
“I have continually called for the closure of the MinSec facility in Hazleton. Now, in light of the recent murder charges against a current inmate, I have again requested that the facility be shut down immediately.
“I have worked hard to pass prison reform legislation, Act 122 of 2012, which sends pre-release inmates back to prison so they can serve out their entire sentence. This measure brings back truth in sentencing. I have asked the state Department of Corrections for immediate implementation of that new law with regard to the MinSec facility in Hazleton.
“I would like to recognize Donna Palermo and Lew Dreyfoos, from the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce; Senator John Yudichak; Hazleton Mayor Joe Yannuzzi; and Hazleton Police Chief Frank DeAndrea for continually advocating on behalf of the residents of the Hazleton area. I have spoken on a daily basis with the governor’s office and the Department of Corrections and I am confident that the administration has heard our requests. We are all staying tuned.
“I can tell you this from speaking to the Department of Corrections today, MinSec’s drug and alcohol/mental health contracts expire as of Sept. 30 and are not being renewed. This is a big win for our community. All offenders who are in the MinSec facility for drug, alcohol or mental health reasons are being transferred out of the facility. However, this is a legal contracts issue between MinSec and the Department of Corrections. At this time we must be sensitive to these legal matters.”
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State Representative Tarah Toohil
116th District, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact:
Rep. Toohil’s Office
717.260.6136