Coalition Members Committed to Constituent Safety and Effective Corrections
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2017
Anchorage – Members of the Alaska House Majority Coalition today reacted to Alaska Governor Bill Walker’s press conference announcing his intention to include criminal justice legislation on the call for the October special session (which had previously been dedicated to finding new revenue).
“We are committed to seriously considering policy recommendations that evidence shows will make Alaskans safer,” said Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon (D-Dillingham). “I know that public safety is a priority for our coalition and we will absolutely do what is in our power to keep Alaska families safe.”
“On the one hand, our scarce resources and criminal justice policies need to focus on keeping dangerous criminals off the street. On the other hand, the Legislature must also act on our long term fiscal situation this fall. Cuts to prosecutors, State Troopers, substance abuse treatment, and local law enforcement all contribute to crime rates. If we want to reverse those cuts, or invest in combating drivers of crime like the opioid epidemic and ongoing recession, we must fix our fiscal footing first.”
For more information, please contact Alaska House Majority Coalition Deputy Press Secretary Drew Cason at (907) 575-2068.
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