House Republican Press Release

September 21, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. SCRIBNER: DEMOCRATS BLOCK REPUBLICAN EFFORTS TO STRENGTHEN REPEAT OFFENDER LAW

HARTFORD – During a special legislative session on Thursday, Sept. 20, the House Republican caucus put forth a responsible initiative to help provide and ensure public safety for all Connecticut residents. In a most unfortunate turn of events, the Democratic majority rebuffed GOP efforts to bring a three strikes bill up for debate on the House floor.   

Despite a recent Connecticut Supreme Court ruling striking down portions of the state’s persistent felon laws, and growing public outrage over the brutal, tragic murders of a Cheshire family by two paroled felons in July, Democrats instead opted to call two special legislative sessions to pass a state contracting bill and borrow $3.1 billion more for major capital projects and so-called earmarked items for individual districts.

“I have always stated that there is nothing that we do in government service that is as important as the assurance of public safety to those we have pledged to serve. Every human life that we represent deserves to know that when they go to sleep at night their lives are protected and secure,” said Rep. Scribner.

The murders of three members of the Petit family on July 23 have focused attention on the holes in the criminal justice system that allowed repeat criminals to be eligible for parole. Republicans want to classify burglary as a violent offense and fall under the Three Strikes statutes that could send future felons to life in prison. Some 45,000 people have signed a petition in support of the tougher laws since the murders.

At the very least, the technical flaws in the current laws outline by the Supreme Court should be addressed immediately and fixed as the high court suggested.

“Today we had a golden opportunity before us to demonstrate to the public that we value their lives and well being above all, and that we recently learned a very valuable lesson from the tragic loss in Cheshire, along with others throughout the state,  and we will take appropriate action to increase and improve public safety for all. It was with unfortunate defiance that the opportunity was wasted.”