On Tuesday, Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C,I-Horicon) joined Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt, members of the Minority Conferences and law enforcement officials to advocate for greater public safety measures. Crime across New York state has continued to rise after Majority lawmakers disastrous bail reform was passed in 2019. Tragically, the state experienced a 46.7% increase in murders from 2019 to 2020.

“We must do better for the brave men and women of law enforcement who are sounding the alarm bells around our criminal justice system. I was proud to stand with my colleagues today as we advocated for increased public safety measures in our communities. A key piece of legislation I have supported since its inception is the ‘Restore Order’ package. If passed, this legislation would return judicial discretion to the courtroom in regard to bail.

“Unfortunately, we are seeing violent offenders being put back on our streets in the name of bail reform. Upon release a number of these offenders are reoffending. The statistics show this policy is failing and we must reverse course. In addition to the sharp rise in murders, the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence has said New York has the highest demand for domestic violence services in the country.

“Passing the ‘Restore Order’ package, revisiting bail reform and enforcing the rule of law are items I will work on with my colleagues on either side of the aisle. New Yorkers deserve to feel safe in their communities, Albany has to do better on the issue of public safety,” said Simpson.