Lawmakers ignore Grover Norquist pitch for criminal justice reform

[Freddie Stubbs]

Source: Palm Beach Post

Conservative icon Grover Norquist is in Tallahassee pitching the national “Smart on Crime” agenda, a prison reform movement that’s got the support of other “center right” politicos including Newt Gingrich and William Bennett.

Hosted by business-backed Florida TaxWatch, Norquist spoke for more than half an hour at the tony Governor’s Club to a crowd of lobbyists, criminal justice providers and policy makers.

TaxWatch is pushing the reform agenda aimed at cutting back on prison spending. The reforms include revamping mandatory minimum sentences, something House Speaker Dean Cannon said is a no-go this session.

But Norquist said elected officials don’t have to be afraid to support reforms because conservatives like Texas Gov. Rick Perry have proven the reforms work and save taxpayers money, something that could win points with tea party activists.

Read more: http://www.postonpolitics.com/2011/03/lawmakers-ignore-grover-norquist-pitch-for-criminal-justice-reform/

[Jackpine Radical]

1. Jeez-I agree with Norquist on something.

I think I feel ill.

[brooklynite]

2. "Soft on Crime", Grover?

That'll be a big hit at the Republican Convention...

[ret5hd]

4. It would be a big hit with the repubs if there was true fear of prosecution.

[bobhuntsman]

3. EVERYONE would do well to ignore this anarchist/traitor. . .n/t

[Dawson Leery]

5. Too much money to be made with the prison industrial complex

to allows these needed reforms to take effect.