Readers took the time to offer frank criticism — both online and offline — of the piece I published last week about reforming criminal justice by shifting resources from incarceration to treatment. I appreciate the dialog. Keeping the public safe is the top goal of government, and we are starting to get past knee-jerk answers and get smart on crime.
Author Archives: Will Brownsberger
The movement to reform criminal justice
I spent a Saturday in early April in Denver at a national meeting about criminal justice reform. The chance to hear what people are doing and thinking in other states was worth the plane time. The country is in the middle of a national attitude change on criminal justice issues: there is an increasing sense that we have gone too far with incarceration.
This Week’s Education Reform Vote
This week, the Senate will vote on a major education package. It goes beyond the question raised on the November ballot about the expansion of charter schools. The legislation seeks to improve education for all the children of Massachusetts. My vote for the bill will be a vote to keep that goal alive on Beacon Hill.
Should the state regulate Uber drivers?
The Senate will soon consider legislation regulating Uber and other ride matching companies. Although I have real sympathy for individuals who have money tied up in taxi medallions, I will not support legislation that will hamper the transition to the superior new model. I welcome feedback on every facet of this industry transition, but I am particularly interested in feedback on the issue of passenger security.
Outcome on the Opioid Bill
Last week, the legislature reached agreement on legislation to control opioid drug abuse. The bill does a lot and I was pleased to support it. Compromises were reached on many of the key issues discussed on this site over the past few months.
Raising the Threshold for Felony Larceny
Once a person has paid a penalty for a crime, we should let them put their past behind them. Last week, the legislature took one small step in that direction by raising the monetary threshold that divides misdemeanor larceny from felony larceny.