Krajewski appointed to Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., has been appointed to the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing, a role he hopes will allow him to promote equity and fairness in Pennsylvania’s justice system. 

“Shaping our justice system into one that is truly just – where antiquated, unfair and often inhumane practices are put into the rearview – is one of my core missions as a member of my community, as someone who has worked as a community organizer and now, in my role as a state representative,” Krajewski said. “I am honored to be chosen for this appointment, and I am focused and determined to use this opportunity to make progress in transforming the justice system from one that is carceral to one that promotes compassion and healing.” 

Krajewski, elected in 2020 to represent the 188th Legislative District in Philadelphia, was recommended for the appointment to the commission by House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton, who held the post before she became House Democratic leader. 

"The fact that Representative Krajewski shares my commitment and passion to enact substantial criminal justice reform makes him a natural fit to take my seat on the PA Commission on Sentencing," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "There's no doubt in my mind that he will continue moving our fight forward to establish a just and equitable justice system that works for everyone." 

Created in 1978 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the Commission on Sentencing is charged to create and maintain a consistent and rational statewide sentencing policy through the adoption of guidelines that promote fairer and more uniform sentencing throughout the Commonwealth. 

The commission is composed of 11 people: one district attorney selected by the speaker of the House of Representatives; one defense attorney selected by the president pro tempore of the Senate; two judges of courts of record selected by the chief justice of Pennsylvania; two judges of courts of record, one selected by the president judge of the Commonwealth Court and one of selected by the president judge of the Superior Court; one professor of law knowledgeable in criminal sentencing selected by the chief justice of Pennsylvania; two members of the House of Representatives, one selected by the majority leader and one selected by the minority leader; and two members of the Senate, one selected by the president pro tempore and one selected by the minority leader. 

The commission collects data and information to systematically monitor and report on conformity to guidelines, advises and consults on policy and practices, and undertakes research and evaluation to determine the effectiveness of guidelines.