Money Over Safety

May 31, 2011

My update from the capitol this week is not a good one.

Rapists and sexual predators, child pornographers and pedophiles, and a variety of violent, vicious criminals in Connecticut will soon be eligible for early release from prison.

These violent inmates will be able to reduce their sentences by as many as five days per month for “good behavior.” Felons sentenced to two years in prison could get out of jail in 90 days.

The goal of the new policy, rammed through by the new administration and legislative democrats, is to save money.

I do not believe saving money is more important than preserving public safety.

The shortsightedness of this soft-on-crime policy move is shocking.

The following is a list of just some of the crimes which would be subject to early release for good behavior:

  • Manslaughter in the first degree
  • Sexual assault in the first degree
  • Kidnapping in the first degree
  • Arson in the first degree
  • Employing a minor in an obscene performance
  • Importing child pornography
  • Contaminating a public water supply or food supply for terrorist purposes
  • Injury or risk of injury to, or impairing morals of, children
  • Abandonment of child under the age of six years
  • Firearms trafficking
  • Cruelty to animals

When I took the oath of office to serve as your state senator, I vowed to never vote for a measure that would put people’s safety in jeopardy, or take away the rights of victims.

It is important to make sure dangerous criminals remain in prison.
Please,contact the governor and state legislators and tell them how you feel.

I will continue to speak out on your behalf against this dangerous policy.

Sincerely,
Sen. Toni Boucher