State’s attorney journeys to Washington, D.C.

Union County State’s Attorney Tyler R. Edmonds joined prosecutors, police chiefs and sheriffs from across the country recently in Washington, D.C., to encourage lawmakers to fund programs for children that prevent crime.

Edmonds and other members of the Illinois delegation met with Illinois Congressmen Rodney Davis and Randy Hultgren in Washington on behalf of the more than 300 polic chiefs, sheriffs and prosecutors who are members of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids Illinois.

They urged Congressional support for investments in early childhood education, home visiting for at-risk families and science-based child nutrition.

“Getting kids off to a solid start in life is a research proven way to keep kids on the right track and out of the criminal justice system” Edmonds stated in a news release.

“I appreciate our leaders in Washington for listening to how these investments in children in Southern Illinois can promote progress in school and lead to reductions in juvenile delinquency. This saves taxpayer money in the long run and gives kids a better chance at happy and productive lives.”

Edmonds and other Fight Crime: Invest in Kids members were joined in Washington by members of the Council for a Strong America.

The council is a national bipartisan nonprofit that unites five organizations comprised of law enforcement leaders, retired admirals and generals, businessexecutives, pastors and prominent coaches and athletes who promote solutions that ensure the next generatio of Americans will be citizen-ready.

Edmonds was joined in representing Illinois by Riverside Police Chief Thomas Weitzel of Fight Crime Invest in Kids and retired Lt. General Randall Rigby of Mission Readiness.

Mission Readiness is a partner organization of retired admirals and generals which is working to strengthen national security by ensuring that young people stay in school, stay fit and stay out of trouble so they can serve the nation in whatever way they choose.