Honoring Veterans

As a former Navy man who served in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Strike, Dave has spent a lifetime serving the public and recognizes the unique needs of the Veteran community. He is putting forth a comprehensive plan to implement specialized programs across our commonwealth that will support Veterans and their families, improve lives, enhance public safety, and safeguard the dignity Veterans have rightly earned.

Key Issues Addressed in Dave Sunday's Policy Program

  1. Service-Related Trauma

    Veterans experience high rates of PTSD, TBI, and other conditions connected to their time in service. These issues can lead to involvement in the criminal justice system.

  2. Overrepresentation in the Criminal Justice System

    Veterans are disproportionately represented within the criminal justice system. Traditional, punitive measures that do not account for conditions that developed while in service only exacerbate the challenges they face.

  3. Need for Rehabilitation

    Conditions connected to service to our nation require treatment, rather than punishment. This is crucial to reducing Veteran recidivism.

  4. Broader Mental Health Implications

    There is a pressing need for increased specialized care and treatment to reduce mental health challenges among Veterans.

  5. Drug Overdoses

    We must create increased pathways to resources, programs, education, and treatment to prevent unnecessary overdose deaths.

Recommended Policy Solutions

  1. Expand Veterans Treatment Courts (VTCs)

    Establish VTCs in every county across Pennsylvania, supported by state funding for research and oversight by an Attorney General-appointed Veterans task force supervisor.

  2. Diversion Programs

    Make diversion the primary response for non-violent offenses involving Veterans, with state-funded rehabilitation centers supporting them at the point of arrest.

  3. Veteran-Only Housing and Programming

    Create Veteran-only housing units in state correctional facilities and offer tailored mental health and substance abuse programs within these units.

  4. Maintain VA Benefits During Incarceration

    Ensure incarcerated Veterans retain their VA healthcare benefits, facilitated by cooperation between the VA and state correctional facilities.

  5. Veteran-Specific Re-entry Planning

    Develop comprehensive re-entry plans when sentencing occurs to ensure Veterans complete necessary programs and are prepared for reintegration, including automatic expungement of records for applicable offenses post- incarceration.

Implementation Strategy

As Attorney General, Dave Sunday will:

  • Advocate for legislation to establish and expand VTCs and diversion programs.
  • Build partnerships with local governments, the VA, and Veteran Service Organizations.
  • Launch statewide public awareness campaigns about the benefits of Veteran-specific programs.
  • Appoint a Veterans taskforce supervisor to ensure program implementation and effectiveness.

Dave Sunday believes in honoring the tremendous sacrifices Veterans have made for our country.

He understands that rehabilitation is the most effective way to help Veterans who have become involved with the criminal justice system, reintegrate into society and reduce recidivism. By providing Veterans with the support they need, we can enhance public safety and build stronger communities across Pennsylvania.