Assemblyman John McGowan (R,C-Rockland) attended a press conference today alongside Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski), Sen. Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats), and colleagues from both conferences to discuss the need for greater judicial discretion as part of the state’s bail reform laws in relation to high crime rates throughout the state. Joining them was Tammy Patrick, whose father was killed last year after a repeat offender was released under the reform laws, and the founder of Victims Rights NY, Jennifer Harrison.

“Our job as legislators is to enact laws that will ensure the residents of our state feel safe, but New York’s cashless bail laws take the power away from judges to use their knowledge and discretion in their courtrooms, thus allowing violent criminals to wander the streets. I want to thank Ms. Patrick for her bravery to stand alongside us today in memory of her father,” said McGowan. “I hope this legislative session legislative leaders from both sides of the aisle can work to ensure public safety is a top priority.”

***For a video of Assemblyman John McGowan speaking on this issue please click here.