Mike Levin: “the substitute addresses the real concerns of my constituents. On Tuesday in Warren, the third largest city in the…”

“the substitute addresses the real concerns of my constituents. On Tuesday in Warren, the third largest city in the State, concerned officials and residents held the first meeting of the city's new antigang task force to discuss their concerns about increased gang activity and juvenile crime in their neighborhoods. Concerned residents spoke about the need for measures that get violent juvenile offenders off the streets and in prevention programs. Police officials asked for more support to help hire more backup personnel to free up front-line officers to patrol the streets. And police officials and educators both called for more money to help fund after and in-school prevention programs. This substitute legislation does what residents in Warren and other communities are asking for. Mr. Chairman, we need to pass a bill that gets at the real problems. Most juvenile crime is State and local. What we need is a bill that gives local communities and States flexibility to handle these problems, not a bill that forces States to accept a one-size-fits-all fix. Mr. Chairman, I urge a 'yes' vote on the community-based Democratic substitute.”