Congressman and gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist (D-FL-13) announced a “Justice for All” initiative, which he would support and push if elected as governor. Parts of the plan would include voting rights restoration and cracking down on gun violence.
“My ‘Justice for All’ plan is a promise to communities across Florida that have watched and felt our government turning its back on them, that the Crist Administration will usher in a new era, one where our state will not turn a blind eye to injustices, but tackle them head-on,” Crist said in a press conference.
Crist took time to note that when he was governor, he restored voting rights for approximately 155,000 Floridians, and automatic restoration would be a component of his plan for all who complete their sentences, regardless if the criminal has financial restitutions left to pay.
The congressman continued the second part of his announcement by proposing to get “guns off our streets” by enacting gun control measures.
“Just as I have done before, I will continue to stand on the side of compassion and forgiveness and on the side of protecting my neighbors,” Crist said. “Which is why I’m proud to announce the first half of my criminal justice reform plan to support common-sense gun safety measures to get guns off our streets and efforts to restore the voting rights of those folks who have served their time and are now looking to rejoin our communities.”
Crist extended his support to progressive gun policies like banning so-called “assault weapons” and “large magazines.”
“He will partner with local governments in gun safety campaigns to encourage legal gun owners to keep their guns locked up and properly stored,” according to Crist’s campaign flyer. The flyer continued by saying “As governor, Crist also will continue to seek stronger gun safety laws that include universal background checks for legal gun buyers as well as bans on large magazines and assault rifles.”
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Grant Holcomb is a reporter at the Florida Capital Star and The Star News Network. Follow Grant on Twitter and direct message tips.
Photo “Charlie Crist” by Congressman Charlie Crist. Background Photo “Gun Wall” by Michael Saechang. CC BY-SA 2.0.
