The US criminal justice system was put in place to protect the innocent and punish the offenders. When the system runs effectively, recidivism rates are low, punishments fit the crime, and people are safe. Unfortunately, the current criminal justice system has not been working for the people of Arkansas.
To reform the criminal justice system in our state, we must focus on three basic principles:
Fairness: For years, the system has disproportionately targeted minorities and those who cannot afford to pay court fines and fees. A working criminal justice system does not punish people for being poor or being a person of color. We need to ensure that the punishments applied fit the crime and the law is being applied fairly.
Rehabilitation: It is critical that we keep Arkansas’ prison education program intact. Arkansas has an expansive prison education program and we need to make sure we continue to participate in the Pell program. However, education is not enough. We must work to rehabilitate prisoners from their addictions.
Prevention: Part of investing in our children is ensuring they are equipped to make good decisions. Arkansas’ juvenile diversionary programs are working to do just that, but they desperately need to be expanded. We need to be sure that we are working with our community partners to mentor and invest in our youth so they don’t turn to crime.
As Governor, Ricky would work to:
Having lived in a country where women are forced to have abortions, Ricky wants to live in a country that respects the bodily autonomy of all individuals. In all circumstances, we must understand that self-determination is quintessential for a free society.
You can make a libertarian argument for and against abortion restrictions; however, we need to consider that prohibition hasn’t worked in nations where it has been tried. Just like attempts to prohibit alcohol or marijuana consumption, outlawing abortion is not a practical political solution to reducing the number of abortions and can lead to unsafe conditions for women.
End certificate of need laws that allow hospitals and medical practices to keep out their competitors. Imagine if you wanted to open up a restaurant and your competitors got to lobby the government to keep your business from opening up. That is the reality of certificate of need laws. They delay health care facilities from being built, drive up the cost of health care, lower health care standards, and in some extreme cases led to unnecessary deaths.
Arkansas’ public school system has been failing our children for decades. We consistently rank as one of the worst states for public education by every measurable standard. It’s time to put our children first.
As a parent of a non-neurotypical child, I know the struggle of trying to find a school to meet my child’s needs.
Previous administrations have failed our children. Under a Harrington administration, parents will be empowered to choose the educational path that fits their child, not conform to a bureaucratic, one-size-fits-all system.
Harrington also proposes that Arkansas reinstate the Arkansas State Guard to respond to natural disasters in exchange for two years of education at an Arkansas Community College.