HARRISBURG, Jan. 30, 2013 — The Pennsylvania Senate today unanimously approved legislation that would ensure that all NCAA-imposed fines on Penn State University as a result of the infamous child sex abuse scandal remain in Pennsylvania, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank.
In light of the notorious Jerry Sandusky case, Penn State has agreed to a $60 million NCAA fine over five years to address child sexual abuse. Senate Bill 187 ensures that the money is used to fund Pennsylvania programs and services for child sexual abuse victims.
“The victims were from Pennsylvania, the abuse was perpetrated here, and the crimes were investigated and prosecuted by our authorities,” said Schwank (D-Berks). “This is the state of both the injury and of the injured, and it is the only state that is paying for the healing, so it should be the only place where the funds are spent.”
The legislation covers services to the victims of child sexual abuse regardless of when the abuse occurred.
“Victims of child sexual abuse often suffer throughout their lives with emotional challenges, chemical dependency and even physical afflictions,” Schwank said. “Additionally, children whose legal residences might be in other states do and will continue to find refuge here in shelters or with relatives or a foster family. They should be served too.
“This legislation presents great promise for victims in Pennsylvania, and I hope the House of Representatives will also act swiftly to approve it and send it to the governor so that it will become law as soon as possible,” she said.