Issue Position: Correctional System Reform

Issue Position

I support strong, bipartisan action to decrease prison populations and focus our attention on rehabilitation, not incarceration. We incarcerate far more non-violent offenders per capita than any other developed nation, it's costing our taxpayers billions of dollars.

While I support the current administration's moves towards rehabilitation and fewer drug-based convictions, there is still work that needs to be done. A greater focus on rehabilitation and reduced sentences for first-time offenders in conjunction with decreased conspiracy laws and drug offences will go a long way toward keeping Americans in their homes and neighborhoods, not in prison. This is especially important for our youth. Many young people end up on the wrong side of the law and then become lifelong criminals by becoming part of the criminal justice system rather than being rehabilitated out of it. We need to do everything we can to ensure young Americans become positive, contributing members of society.

Support for bills such as the bipartisan Justice Safety-Valve Act of 2013, which would shorten mandatory minimums and expand the judicial sentencing safety valves, is a great place to start.

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