By Bob Katzen
Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) is leading the charge to oppose some parts of the Information Technology bill including $92.5 million in spending on purchasing police cruisers and additional funding of Department of Corrections vehicles and construction of new prisons.
“We request that this committee reinvest in efforts and services that strengthen our communities and in technological improvements that include automating the process of criminal record sealing,” said Eldridge and the others in a letter.
“We strongly recommend decarceration and reinvestment in efforts and services that strengthen our communities and help vulnerable populations,” the letter continued. “Efforts should be made to create and implement a decarceration plan and be a model for the rest of the country. Sound policy and strategic investments in housing, mental health care, addiction treatment, education, employment and economic opportunity will address the reasons for incarceration and further decrease incarceration rates.”