PRINTER'S NO. 1529
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
263
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY ARGALL, FOLMER, YUDICHAK, VULAKOVICH, RAFFERTY,
MENSCH AND HAYWOOD, JANUARY 28, 2016
REFERRED TO JUDICIARY, JANUARY 28, 2016
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to
conduct a study regarding overtime costs incurred by the
Department of Corrections relating to staffing shortages.
WHEREAS, The Department of Corrections budget increased by
3.1% from fiscal year 2013-2014 to fiscal year 2014-2015; and
WHEREAS, The department requested an increase of 10% for
fiscal year 2015-2016, which does not include a $56 million
supplemental appropriation budget request to support unbudgeted
contract costs; and
WHEREAS, The department led all other State departments and
agencies for overtime costs from 2010 through 2014; and
WHEREAS, The department's overtime spending has increased by
more than 57% between 2009-2010 and 2013-2014; and
WHEREAS, The department spent more than $85 million in
overtime costs in 2014-2015; and
WHEREAS, The Commonwealth has reduced the inmate level by 400
from 2010-2011 to 2011-2012 and more than 700 from 2012-2013 to
2013-2014; and
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WHEREAS, It is critical to review staffing levels and
overtime requirements within the department to ensure tax
dollars are being utilized efficiently and effectively;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
be directed to conduct a study relating to the staffing levels
and mandatory overtime costs within the Department of
Corrections; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the study include comparisons to other states'
staffing levels compared to inmate levels and historical trends
relating to inmate population level increases and decreases; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That the study include cost comparisons of hiring
new employees within the department compared to paying current
employees overtime; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the study incorporate all aspects of staffing,
including salary, health care, retirement, training and
equipment required for each employee; and be it further
RESOLVED, That in compiling this report the Legislative
Budget and Finance Committee seek input from the department, the
Office of Administration, the Appropriations Committee of the
Senate, the Judiciary Committee of the Senate, the
Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives, the
Judiciary Committee of the House of Representatives and the
Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
report its findings and recommendations to the Senate no later
than six months after the adoption of this resolution.
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