PRINTER'S NO. 1568
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
289
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY PETRARCA, APRIL 26, 2017
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
APRIL 26, 2017
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the Pennsylvania Prison Society on its 230th
anniversary of advocating for those in prison and their
families, commemorating the achievements of the organization
and highlighting the continued need for the work of the
Pennsylvania Prison Society.
WHEREAS, On May 8, 1787, the Pennsylvania Prison Society was
founded by Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of
Independence; and
WHEREAS, Bishop William White and Benjamin Franklin were
members of the Pennsylvania Prison Society; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Prison Society's purpose is to
monitor prison conditions in this Commonwealth and to advocate
for the humane treatment of prisoners and their families; and
WHEREAS, For the first 100 years, the Pennsylvania Prison
Society was known as The Philadelphia Society for Alleviating
the Miseries of Public Prisons; and
WHEREAS, The earliest members of the Pennsylvania Prison
Society addressed corporal punishment and harsh prison
conditions by advocating for a better way to rehabilitate
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incarcerated individuals; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Prison Society was the designer of
the first penitentiary in the world, the Eastern State
Penitentiary in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Prison Society established separate
confinement for men, women, children and those with mental
illness; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Prison Society pioneered the model
of prison visitation which has continued for more than two
centuries and the concept is now supported by statute; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Prison Society's staff, board,
volunteers and members continue its historic role of advocating
for humane treatment and justice through educational projects,
direct services and advocacy efforts, such as reentry and
mentoring services, parenting classes, transportation services
for families to prisons across the State, individual and issue
advocacy and official visits; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Prison Society will hold its 230th
consecutive annual meeting on May 3, 2017 at the Eastern State
Penitentiary; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That, while the House of Representatives recognizes
the need for punishment proportionate to the crime, the House of
Representatives honor the Pennsylvania Prison Society on its
230th anniversary of advocating for those in prison and their
families, commemorate the achievements of the organization and
highlight the continued need for the work of the Pennsylvania
Prison Society.
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