Budget Considerations
On Aug. 29, 2019, DOC Secretary John Wetzel announced proposed solutions to cover the $140 million 2019/2020 budget deficit. Among the proposed solutions is closing SCI Retreat, located in Luzerne County and home to nearly 1,100 inmates. Retreat employees approximately 400 individuals, and all of them would be offered a position at another DOC facility within 65 miles of SCI Retreat.
Wetzel also announced the DOC plans to close Sharon Community Corrections Center in Mercer County. Staff affected by the closure will be offered employment within 65 miles of Sharon CCC.
Other announced proposals:
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Discontinuing contracts with seven county prison facilities that provide reentry and/or parole violator services
- Eliminating positions at DOC's Central Office and not back-filling any Central Office vacancies
- Reducing reentry service lots
- Combining mental health units at SCI Waymart