CONTACT: Mariah McGough, mariah@vocal-ky.org
VOCAL-KY BLASTS “SAFER KENTUCKY” ACT, VOWS TO FIGHT AGAINST DANGEROUS LEGISLATION IN FRANKFORT
See VOCAL-KY Leader Joe Halbert Share Concerns About the Legislation Here
LOUISVILLE, K.Y. — This week, lawmakers filed the “Safer Kentucky” Act, which would increase the number of people criminalized and housed in our overcrowded jails, without addressing the needs of struggling Kentuckians across the state. In response, VOCAL-KY released the following statement, attributable to Joe Halbert, a leader with VOCAL-KY:
“My personal life has consisted of jails, institutions, and rehabs and I am one of too many people experiencing homelessness. I am considered low-income and face joblessness, but these complex challenges are not insurmountable. We need more harm reduction resources, outreach services, and housing options – but none of that exists in the so-called ‘Safer Kentucky’ Act. I’m dedicated to building political power with others like me at VOCAL-KY to pass policies that will actually help us, unlike the ‘Safer Kentucky’ Act.”
BACKGROUND:
The “Safer Kentucky” Act will further criminalize homelessness and drug use across Kentucky. The bill will penalize Kentucky’s most marginalized communities that are already struggling, without offering funding or pathways to services or permanent housing.
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