Tuesday, December 24, 2013

SAVE LIVES

Sally Peck got her letter to the editor published in the Observer!
Thanks Sally!

Between 23 – 36% of teenagers admit they have committed a serious violent offense by age 17. Homicide remains a leading cause of death among youth age 10-24. We need to deal with at-risk teenagers differently, and we have an opportunity to do so with the passage of the Youth PROMISE Act (S1307 & HR1308).
PROMISE is an acronym for Prison Reduction through Opportunities, Mentoring, Intervention, Support and Education.  It would fund proven, locally controlled, evidence-based violence prevention programs. A Pennsylvania program investing in at-risk youth saves $5 for each $1 spent. 
This bi-partisan bill has the support of local law enforcement, the US Conference of Mayors and state and local governments.  
Years ago, my elderly mother was murdered in her home by a neighbor youth. The programs that the Youth PROMISE Act would provide may have prevented this tragedy.  Please urge your Congressmen to co-sponsor this bill.