October 02, 2019 - Harrisburg, PA
Governor Tom Wolf was joined by Lt. Governor John Fetterman and Pennsylvania Board of Pardons Secretary Brandon Flood today to clarify and elaborate on the pardons process as it could benefit those who have low-level marijuana convictions.Gov. Wolf and Lt. Gov. Fetterman announced the final report of the Lt. Gov.'s statewide adult-use recreational marijuana tour and online feedback form last week. As part of that announcement, Lt. Gov. Fetterman advised that he would be asking the Board of Pardons to expedite applications for pardons from those with low-level marijuana convictions. Since that is projected to effect thousands of Pennsylvanians, clearing the way for access to jobs, housing, and education, Gov. Wolf felt it was prudent to expand upon that aspect of the announcement to provide more details."I want to emphasize that while we cut down on the red tape for pardons, these cases are not being rubber stamped," Gov. Wolf said. "I read each recommended case individually and weigh the decision carefully. I factor in the effect a pardon will have on past victims and the likelihood to reoffend. But I also weigh the consequences of people continuing to carry a record when they have turned their lives around. By allowing more cases to be heard through the pardons process, we are treating people like individual human beings. It’s the right thing to do."
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