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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Nick Kotik
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Kotik pledges support for Pennsylvania State Police funding
HARRISBURG, Dec. 12 – State Rep. Nick Kotik, D-Allegheny, released the following statement in response to an internal document obtained by The Patriot-News of Harrisburg citing impacts of potential state funding cuts to the Pennsylvania State Police:
"I am strongly opposed to any state funding cut that would ultimately reduce our state trooper complement. Even under a 5 percent cut, we’re looking at upwards of 500 trooper layoffs, barrack closures and a freeze on any new cadet classes at the police academy. Beyond that, the agency is still facing tough choices if we don’t increase their funding at all from this year’s amount.
"Regardless if this is a worst-case scenario picture we’re looking at or not, if funding for the state police goes down, crime is likely to go up.
"I realize that the state once again will be facing a budget deficit next year, but the state police is not the area to trim. The state police offers too many specialized services and helps an abundance of rural communities and municipalities that otherwise would go without protection because they can’t afford local forces of their own.
"Public safety is number one. Plain and simple, it should not be compromised," Kotik said.
The Pennsylvania State Police was formed in 1905 as it became the first uniformed police organization in the country. Today, more than 4,600 sworn members make up its authorized complement.
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