Letter to the editor: Rewards for prisoners disgusting

I find it totally disgusting that our county prison feels it is necessary to give prisoners $25 if they get the covid vaccine (“Westmoreland County to pay jail inmates to get covid vaccine,” April 26, TribLIVE). They should just be thankful that they are able to get it.

Here’s an idea: Give county residents a $25 reward for getting it. Why does the prison board feel as though a person who broke the law should be rewarded? Something is wrong with our judicial system.

I called the county commissioners office to voice my complaint and was told the money comes from the prison canteen fund, which is money from prisoners buying food and other items. I was told this is not taxpayers’ money, but the bottom line is every prisoner costs taxpayers thousands of dollars. Taxpayers can end up paying for doctors’ appointments, new teeth and eyeglasses. Maybe we should all check in there and get free medical care.

They broke the law, and there are consequences to pay. How sad when a prisoner has more perks than a law-abiding citizen.

Eileen Vidale

Smithton