In reference to the article that appeared in the April 26th edition of The Salt Lake Tribune, titled, “The Utah Legislature didn’t fund Utah’s prison nursery. Here’s why.” As a concerned citizen, I offer these observations.
I find it incredible that the new correctional facility was designed and built with accommodations for a four-bed nursery for mothers and infants, and yet, the recent session of the Legislature did not approve funding for this much needed care.
The funding appears to have been stalled on the desk of Rep. Candice Pierucci who seems skeptical, saying this project “may not be in the best interest of a pro-family state such as ours.” Similar nurseries have been successfully operating in several other correctional facilities throughout the country.
Our governor is strongly in favor of funding this nursery, and I suggest Rep. Pierucci and her fellow legislators reconsider their decision.
Phil Hayes, St. George
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