Senator Sam Caligiuri (R-16) today praised Governor M. Jodi Rell’s support for enacting a three strikes law. Senator Caligiuri has been leading the fight to pass a reasonable three strikes law since the tragic events that occurred in Cheshire this past summer.

“I am gratified that Governor Rell shares my belief, which is also held by many of my colleagues in the legislature, that a responsible three strikes law can be an important tool for keeping people safe. Governor Rell’s support is critically important, especially in light of Democrat leadership’s apparent, continuing, resistance to passing a genuine three strikes bill,” said Senator Caligiuri.

Governor Rell unveiled her comprehensive criminal justice reform proposal earlier today. Her proposal includes initiatives she believes the General Assembly can pass during a special session this month, and others she wants the General Assembly to consider during the regular 2008 Legislative Session that begins February 6th.

“Republicans began urging Democrat leadership to call a special session to enact criminal justice reforms since shortly after the horrific home invasion and murders in Cheshire this summer. I was gratified when Democrat leadership finally agreed, recently, to call such a special session and I am especially grateful to Governor Rell for her thoughtful, responsible, proposals,” said Senator Caligiuri.

Senator Caligiuri, who has been working with Republican legislators over the past several months to craft criminal justice reform legislation, including three strikes legislation, said he is looking forward to working with Governor Rell and his legislative colleagues. Senator Caligiuri is the principal author of the Senate Republicans’ three strikes proposal.

“Now that everyone – Governor Rell, Republicans and Democrats – have put their proposals on the table, there is no reason why we cannot quickly come together to do what is right for the people of Connecticut who deserve to have us do everything possible to protect them. Enacting a three strikes law as part of comprehensive criminal justice reform is essential to protecting the people of Connecticut,” said Senator Caligiuri.