US Claims Pennsylvania’s Prisoner Payments Reform a “Con,” Dismisses Audit Saying Otherwise

The US government says Pennsylvania’s prisoner payments reform is a “con,” arguing the policy’s structure misleads families and incarcerated workers about how benefits operate. The administration dismissed an audit that found the changes did not facilitate wrongdoing and instead improved compliance and transparency. Officials claim the reform helps shift value in ways that disadvantage those most affected. Pennsylvania maintains the audit’s findings and says the policy is lawful, measurable, and intended to support rehabilitation while maintaining accountability.