HARRISBURG, Pa. (EYT) – A rally was held in Harrisburg yesterday to announce a lawsuit against Governor Wolf regarding the proposed closures of Polk and White Haven State Centers.
Families of residents, staff members, and legislators, including State Senator Scott Hutchinson and State Representative R. Lee James, attended the rally that was held at the state capitol at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21.
The initial announcement was made by attorney Tom York, of York Legal Group, who noted he has worked on developmental disabilities issues and has stood opposed to closures of other centers like Polk and White Haven in previous cases.
“I want to thank all of you for coming here today (Tuesday) to bring attention to this very important matter, a matter that is not an exaggeration to say is life and death to the most vulnerable citizens in our society,” York stated.
York went on to note the difficulties involved in the proposed closures, from finding safe and secure housing with the proper care for the residents, to the announcement of the closure without any input from the families and guardians of the individuals at the centers.
““We are filing a suit this week to support the rights of those disabled persons at Polk and White Haven who need and deserve our protection.”
The rally also included comments from Polk and White Haven supporters, family members of residents, and legislators.
“I am here to stand shoulder to shoulder with the individuals that reside at Polk Center, that call it their home, that feel that it is a stable, loving, caring, and protective environment, something they’ve called home their entire lives,” Senator Hutchinson said.