Vermont Troopers Foundation endorses Peter Welch for US Congress

Burlington, VT - Joined by U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy and nearly a dozen members of the Vermont Troopers Foundation, Peter Welch accepted the Troopers endorsement and addressed his commitment to law enforcement and victims' rights in Congress.

"A strong commitment to local law enforcement is critically important to having well-protected communities and homeland security," said Welch. "The federal government should make funding and supporting law enforcement a bipartisan priority as we have done in Vermont."

Welch received the first ever federal endorsement by the Vermont Troopers Foundation, the organization representing the State Troopers.

Sgt. Mike O'Neil, president of the Foundation, said "The Vermont Troopers are proud to support Peter Welch for Congress. We know Peter will fight for safe communities, victims' rights, and that our Vermont state troopers have the support they need to effectively protect Vermonters."

Welch commended Leahy for his leading efforts in Congress championing the Leahy Bulletproof Vests Partnership Grant Act, the vital all-state minimum for homeland security grants, and renewal of the Violence Against Woman Act. Earlier this year, Welch also stressed the importance of the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program for state and local law enforcement.

"I know Peter Welch will be a representative in Congress who will be both smart and tough on combating crime, supporting victims' rights, and helping assure we continue to have safe communities. Peter has a strong record as Senate leader and I look forward to having him as a partner in Washington to help me continue this effort on behalf of Vermonters," said Leahy.

As Senate President, Welch has worked to modernize Vermont's criminal laws to continue to keep Vermont one of the safest states in the nation. He has supported initiatives that crack down on sex offenders, fraud, illegal drug and alcohol use, and violent crime. In the last two years, Welch has supported:

Corrections Reforms to assure community safety, while reducing Vermont's prison population for nonviolent offenders.
Safe Communities Legislation to allow for the prosecution for voyeurism offenses, expand the DNA data bank, requires DNA testing of all felons, provide for longer sentencing for child molesters and rapists, fund an effort to improve sentencing decisions for sexual predators, and improve protections against stalking.
Tougher sex offender sentencing by establishing special investigative units in each county, mandatory 5 year sentences for aggravated assault, and lifetime supervision by the Department of Corrections for the worst offenders.
Supported specialized investigative units which are joint efforts between municipal police forces, sheriffs and state's attorneys to investigate and prosecute sex crimes, child abuse, and domestic violence.
At the same time, Welch has enhanced victims' rights through creating the Crime Victims Restitution Fund, assuring its funding, and establishing laws to protect victims, such as creating a restraining order procedure for victims of stalking and sexual assault.

Since Welch was elected President Pro Tem, he has worked with the Governor, legislative leaders, and the Commissioner of Public Safety to fund and fill all 35 vacant state trooper positions.

In Congress, Welch pledged to work with Senator Leahy to assure Vermonters receive the support it needs to assure criminal justice and safe communities.

In addition to the Vermont Troopers, Welch has received the support of the Professional Firefighters of Vermont, another organization vital to protecting our homeland security and ensuring safe communities.

"I am proud to have support from the troopers and firefighters who we rely on everyday to protect our state. They know I am firmly committed to making sure Congress supports their vital role in our communities," added Welch.

Source: http://www.welchforcongress.com