Relief for Julius Ruffin

Item 290 #1s

Language
Page 216, line 33, strike "$7,387,807" and insert "$8,512,690".
Page 216, after line 54, insert:
"C.1 From the amounts appropriated in Insurance Services, there shall be paid for the relief of Julius Earl Ruffin from the general fund, upon execution of a release of all claims he may have against the Commonwealth or any agency, instrumentality, officer, employee, or political subdivision, (i) the sum of $500,000 to be paid to Julius Earl Ruffin on or before August 1, 2004, by check issued by the State Treasurer on warrant of the Comptroller and (ii) an annuity for the primary benefit of Julius Earl Ruffin providing for equal monthly payments for a period certain of thirty years commencing on or before September 1, 2004, in the cumulative amount of $1,000,000.
2. The State Treasurer shall purchase the annuity at the lowest cost available from any A+ rated company, including any A+ rated company from which the State Lottery Department may purchase an annuity, and such annuity shall contain beneficiary provisions providing for the annuity's continued disbursement in the event of the death of Julius Earl Ruffin.".

Explanation
(This amendment provides for the relief of Julius Ruffin who was wrongly incarcerated for 21 years before being exonerated through DNA technology. The total cost to the state from this $1.5 million compensation will be approximately $1,124,883.)