BREAKING…

State Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee

Throughout budget negotiations we insisted that Republican votes would never be provided for a budget deal that included early release of prisoners.

Our caucus and staff developed a cut strategy for corrections that provided the necessary savings to close the deficit without risking public safety.

We had a clear understanding with the democrats that NO corrections bill would be a part of the budget and that we would have an honest chance to contest the policy issues in the light of day in August.

Just two hours ago I learned from staff that Senate Democrats are concocting a radioactive corrections bill that includeds the worst of the worst sentencing commission and release of 27,000 prisoners, etc.

When I spoke with Dennis he was as surprised and upset as I was regarding what appears to be a serious breach of the agreement in the Big 5.

I have called and personally told both Karen and Darrell that their will be no republican votes for any portion of the budget if they allow such a bill to be part of the package.

I will keep you posted,

Sam Blakeslee