Jan. 16, 2015

HARRISBURG – In her role as chairman of the House Children and Youth Committee, Rep. Kathy Watson (R-Bucks/144th) today applauded the announcement of a settlement involving the total repeal of sanctions by the NCAA against Penn State University in the aftermath of the Jerry Sandusky scandal.
 
Following this afternoon’s press conference, Watson issued the following statement:
 
“There is no denying that the horrific events surrounding this case are tragic and should never have happened. However, the agreement that all $60 million resulting from the NCAA’s ill-conceived consent decree will stay in Pennsylvania -- to specifically fund child abuse prevention and treatment programs -- is welcome news to the children of Pennsylvania and all who seek to protect them from the horrors of sexual and physical abuse. In fact, through Act 1 of 2013, the House and Senate voted overwhelmingly to direct that money toward such programs, demonstrating the strong will of the people.
 
“Our work with the Task Force on Child Protection and the numerous and extensive hearings we held on child abuse brought to light the fact that we need to increase awareness of child abuse within our communities and work toward bringing it to a permanent end. Child protection is everyone’s responsibility.
 
“I applaud Senator Jake Corman and Treasurer Rob McCord for their efforts in bringing this lawsuit forward, ensuring that every dollar stays to help Pennsylvania children and working toward a successful outcome. This shows the commitment by Penn State to help ensure that horrible actions like these never happen again.”
 
As chairman of the House Children and Youth Committee, Watson helped spearhead more than 20 new laws to help protect children in the Commonwealth, including a change in the definition of child abuse to include grooming activities.
 
More information about the House’s child protection efforts is available online at www.KathyWatson144.com and www.PAHouseGOP.com.

Representative Kathy Watson
144th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Media Contact: Jennifer Keaton
717.705.2094
jkeaton@pahousegop.com
KathyWatson144.com / Facebook.com/RepWatson

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