PA Lawmakers Put Spotlight on Community Impact of Prison Closures

April 11, 2025

HARRISBURG—On Monday, April 14, Policy Committee Chairman David H. Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata), Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin), Rep. Dallas Kephart (R-Cambria/Clearview) and other lawmakers will host a hearing titled “The Impact of Prison Closures in our Communities” to discuss Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed closures of SCI Rockview and Quehanna Boot Camp.
Testifiers will include Benninghoff; Kephart; Greg Scott, president and CEO, Centre County Chamber of Commerce; John Eckenrode, president, Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association; Stephen Clark, PSCOA local president, SCI Rockview; and Josh Paul, legislative director, Sen. Dave Argall (R-29).

Both Quehanna and SCI Rockview are major employers with track records of contributing to Pennsylvania’s public safety infrastructure. The Shapiro administration has neither been transparent in providing rationale for these closures nor engaging meaningfully with the communities affected.

“As it relates to the proposed prison closures, there are too many questions unanswered and too many voices unheard,” said Rowe. “This hearing will allow us to advocate for more transparency and accountability from the Shapiro administration. Pennsylvanians deserve nothing less.” 

“The goal of this hearing is to get answers to many of the questions we have but have been unable to obtain since Gov. Shapiro announced his desire to close corrections facilities during his February budget address,” Benninghoff said. “We haven’t been told why these closings are necessary or from where the savings will come. Nearly 900 jobs would be lost, and our region stands to take a significant economic hit, considering SCI Rockview and Quehanna Boot Camp are approximately 30 miles apart.”  

“Quehanna efficiently lowered recidivism rates and employed many people in the 73rd Legislative District,” shared Kephart. “I believe Quehanna is an effective criminal justice center. I believe this hearing of the Republican Policy Committee will help spread awareness of the impact these proposed closures.”

The hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Ramada by Wyndham State College and Conference Center, 1450 S. Atherton St. in State College. The hearing can be viewed live, barring technical difficulties, at Facebook.com/policycmte.



Representative David H. Rowe
85th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Nancy Nilson
717.260.6238
nnilson@pahousegop.com
pagoppolicy.com