Kessler Names Senator Jenkins to Prison Overcrowding Group

“Prison overcrowding is a serious public policy issue that affects all West Virginia taxpayers,” says Kessler. “It is imperative that a comprehensive plan and coordinated approach be developed to reverse the current trend of prison population growth.”

Senator Jenkins says protecting the public and holding criminals accountable for their actions is his top priority. “While that is job one, we must also look at the complete criminal justice system and make changes in those areas,” says Jenkins. “Significant costs, like our prison overcrowding problem, continue to place enormous pressure on the taxpayers of West Virginia. I appreciate this appointment to help craft real, meaningful solutions to these difficult issues.”

Senator Bill Laird (D-Fayette) will head the Senate delegation to the working group. Other members of the working group are Senator Mike Hall (R-Putnam) along with three members of the House of Delegates, top court officials, state agency directors and criminal justice stakeholders. The bi-partisan working group will review trends in the state’s criminal justice system and ultimately develop policy options for state leaders to review for the upcoming 2013 legislative session.

Senator Jenkins replaces former Senator Mark Wills.