Senator Helming Statement on Disaster Emergency Declaration

“We can all agree that crime and violence must end, and our neighborhoods and families must be kept safe. One thing the Legislature can do immediately is repeal the so-called bail and parole reforms, and stop the closure of local correctional facilities. These initiatives don’t hold criminals accountable, or get people the mental health services they need, or make our families and communities safer. 

I stand with our law enforcement officers. I have fought to direct funding to our local sheriff’s departments for Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training to help those experiencing a mental health crisis. We must work together – government, law enforcement, mental health and other service providers – to keep everyone safe. I don’t believe the solution is to operate in another state of emergency that puts all the power in the Governor’s hands once again.”