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Rep. Eric Pettigrew, serving the 37th District Serving Rainier Valley, Madrona, North Beacon Hill, Rainier Beach, Mt. Baker, Leschi, Columbia City, southern Capitol Hill, Skyway, Hillman City, and parts of Renton. |
Rep. Pettigrew increases opportunities for at-risk youth and communities of color
May 4, 2009
OLYMPIA –In collaboration with community-based organizations, Rep. Eric Pettigrew (D-Seattle) worked to secure approximately $4 million to expand opportunities for at-risk youth and increase access to community resources.
“I know there’s a better path for our young people, and I look forward to working together to provide them with new opportunities,” Pettigrew said. “I hope this funding will increase prevention efforts and, in turn, help us veer away from more punitive measures.”
Out of the $4 million, $3.7 million was allocated to the Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration for community-based organizations to provide at-risk youth intervention services. These services include, but aren’t limited to, case management, employment services, educational services, and street outreach intervention programs.
With an emphasis on prevention, intervention and suppressing behavioral problems and violence, Pettigrew said he hopes to help at-risk youth explore alternatives to joining a gang.
The remaining $300,000 was provided to bring together community organizations, local government and state agencies to address impacts of poverty, political disenfranchisement and economic inequality on communities of color.
In addition to the secured funding, Pettigrew is also supportive of a new law that will restore voting rights to ex-offenders who have completed their sentences and are no longer under the authority of the Department of Corrections.
“By restoring these rights, we're motivating an entire population to re-engage in society,” Pettigrew said in response to HB 1517, which was prime sponsored by Rep. Jeannie Darneille (D-Tacoma). “As a state, we've supported efforts for successful rehabilitation and re-entry. This bill helps people who have served their time to move forward and pursue a more positive role in their community."
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Contact: Rep. Eric Pettigrew (206) 587-5543;
Pettigrew.eric@leg.wa.govDownloadable photo:
http://leg.wa.gov/documents/House/Members/Photos/pettigrew.jpg
Staff Contact: Jamie Badilla (360) 786-7255;
Badilla.jamie@leg.wa.gov
Radio and TV News Directors: To obtain broadcast-quality audio on these issues, or to arrange for TV or radio interviews, please contact House Democratic Caucus Broadcast Coordinator Dan Frizzell at
frizzell.dan@leg.wa.gov or (360) 786-7208.