From our member, Families & Allies of Virginia's Youth (FAVY):
"We have been facing an uphill battle in our state legislature, and the governor made it a priority to pass bills that would make it easier to prosecute kids as adults. [On Monday, January 30, 2012], at a key hearing in the Virginia state senate, we managed to kill the governor's bill.
"This happened with a lot of help, including from the Campaign for Youth Justice, which circulated a national sign-on letter, fellow NJJN member JustChildren, and other allies who worked to get several positive editorials in major newspapers, including the Richmond Times Dispatch, Washington Post, and Virginian Pilot.
"The national letter signers included the Campaign for Youth Justice, NJJN, the Coalition for Juvenile Justice, Center for Children's Law & Policy (CCLP), National African American Drug Policy Coalition Inc., and Youth Advocate Program (YAP). Right on Crime also sent a letter to key senators.
"The lesson here is that, with united action, we can successfully push back against bad bills! The fight is not over yet, but we wish to extend our thanks to all who helped us win this key battle."
Congratulations!
Related Stories
» "Bill to try more VA juveniles as adults rejected," Richmond Times-Dispatch, Jan. 30, 2012.
» "Let the judges do their jobs," Roanoke Times, Feb. 1, 2012.
Photo: martapiqs, under Creative Commons license.