May 13, 2009

 

Senator Taylor Appointed to Serve on Council of State Governments Justice Center Board of Directors

New York― The Council of State Governments (CSG) President and Governor of West Virginia Joe Manchin, III, and CSG Chairperson and Idaho State Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis have announced the appointment of Wisconsin State Senator Lena Taylor to the board of directors for CSG’s Justice Center.

Senator Taylor, Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing and co-chair of the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties joins a small, bipartisan group of key legislators and leading court and law enforcement officials, and members of several governors’ cabinets from corrections and health and human services agencies, to serve on the board. Together they will guide various projects that the Justice Center administers, including those on criminal justice/mental health issues, prisoner reentry, and state’s investments in public safety. The Justice Center is also launching a new project regarding school discipline and its impact on involvement in the juvenile justice system.

State officials across the country have used the findings and technical assistance provided through Justice Center projects to develop legislative initiatives. Congress has also worked closely with leaders of the board, drawing on recommendations provided by the Justice Center to shape national policy.

The incoming chairman of the Justice Center board, New York Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry stated, “We are delighted that Senator Taylor has been appointed to our board. As a key voice on criminal justice policy in her state, she will make a great contribution to our work.”

Senator Taylor was selected to serve on the 25-person board for a period of two years. “I am looking forward to using our experiences in Wisconsin to inform the board’s efforts, and I know that working with such a diverse group of national experts will benefit my state and others by advancing the best

thinking on complex criminal justice issues,” said Taylor.

The Council of State Governments Justice Center is a national nonprofit organization that serves policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels from all branches of government. It provides practical, nonpartisan advice and consensus-driven strategies--informed by available evidence—to increase public safety and strengthen communities. The Justice Center is funded through contracts with and grants from federal agencies, state and local governments, and private foundations.