Investments in Arkansas treatment courts save lives
Arkansans advocating for issues important to them regularly come to Washington to participate in Hill Day, a time to meet with their senators and representatives and encourage them to support their policy goals. The message I share with the groups meeting with Members of Congress is to personalize their visits with stories about how rules and regulations impact their operations and customers as well as how what they do enhances the community and improves their state. It’s especially moving to hear from individuals who share their personal experiences to demonstrate the need for action and why their proposed solutions are warranted.
Arkansas Circuit Court Judge Thomas Smith administers the Benton County treatment courts, an initiative that offers drug-addicted, non-violent offenders an alternative to jail while rehabilitating them through a strenuous treatment program. The judge recently introduced me to Kyra, a graduate of the drug court.