Terry Branstad in 2016 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Crime:
Rehabilitation over punishment to reduce recidivism
We are seeing a decline in our prison population and a reduction in recidivism. We are more focused on providing individuals with skills they need to have rewarding careers upon release, including apprenticeships within the institutions.
The Department of Corrections has reduced phone fees as increased communications between inmates and their families can lead to a lower rate of reoffending. And in many cases, tax dollars are better spent on rehabilitation rather than incarceration.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Iowa legislature
Jan 12, 2016
On Crime:
Investigate wrongful convictions, especially for racial bias
We need to take steps to make sure that when our criminal justice system does impose punishment, that we punish the right person and that race does not play a role.In the executive branch we recently established a new Wrongful Conviction Division
to investigate wrongful convictions of innocent people. These efforts will not only bring justice for those who have been wrongfully incarcerated, but will protect public safety by ensuring the right person is held responsible when a crime is committed.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Iowa legislature
Jan 12, 2016
On Families & Children:
Judicial discretion in releasing individual juvenile records
Currently, juvenile delinquency records are public records meaning that a minor theft or minor drug possession can haunt a person for the rest of their life. We must examine whether these policies are truly protecting the public,
or simply blocking a path to future career success for impacted Iowans. These records should remain confidential unless a judge specifically finds that disclosure is in the best interest of the child and the public.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Iowa legislature
Jan 12, 2016
Page last updated: Dec 09, 2018