VOCAL-KY Criticizes Kentucky Senate for Passing H.B. 5, a Bill That Will Criminalize Poverty

VOCAL-KY CRITICIZES KENTUCKY SENATE FOR PASSING H.B. 5, A BILL THAT WILL CRIMINALIZE POVERTY

Recent Reporting Shows H.B. 5 was Pulled Straight From the Failed Playbook Used in Atlanta

LOUISVILLE, K.Y. — Today, in response to the Kentucky Senate passing H.B. 5, the so-called “Safer Kentucky” Act, VOCAL-KY released the following statements:

“There is no safer Kentucky with this bill – just disenfranchised individuals, farther swept under the rug and put in danger,” said Thinh Phan, a leader with VOCAL-KY. “After the testimonies and responses from the people who voted yes – those who cared to explain their vote – it’s obvious that they do not care about the facts. This bill creates criminals and puts our people in danger with increased penalties. It doesn’t address the problem of homelessness or provide solutions. In the long run, this bill will damage our communities and cost taxpayers. This bill is irresponsible.”

“With the passing of HB5, Kentucky’s back-door shady politics has failed the people again,” said Maurice Noe, a leader with VOCAL-KY. “We urge Governor Beshear to listen to low-income and marginalized Kentuckians and veto this bill. Otherwise, future generations will pay for it.”

BACKGROUND:

VOCAL-KY has spent the session demanding lawmakers reject H.B.5. The so-called Safer Kentucky Act won’t make anyone safer – it will only put more people in overcrowded jails, without adding housing or services. As recently reported, The Safer Kentucky Act comes straight out of the failed GOP playbook – most recently used in Atlanta, Georgia. According to the Corrections Impact Statement prepared by the state, there are 37 different parts of HB 5 that will increase costs to state and local governments.