Gluesenkamp Perez Meets With Student Leaders, Visits Clark County Jail

Today, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) met with student leaders from across Clark County to hear about their priorities.  She also visited the Clark County Jail to meet with corrections officers and learn firsthand about their work.

During her meeting with student leaders, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez touched on her work in Congress, answered questions, and discussed students’ priorities including career and technical education, local education, and forestry. Included in the group were FFA members, service academy nominees, and high school ASB presidents.

“It was inspiring to hear from incredibly sharp, independent-minded young people about their priorities and aspirations. Seeing their commitment to service and engagement in our communities, I know our future will be bright,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “It’s important that every student can pursue what they love and they’re skilled at and have pathways to succeed after high school.”

Students from across Southwest Washington are encouraged to apply for service academy nominations, internships, and enter the Congressional Art Competition through Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s office.

Earlier in the day, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez visited the Clark County Jail, where she spoke with staff, corrections officers, and Clark County Councilors Sue Marshall (District 5) and Wil Fuentes (District 3). The group discussed staffing and facility constraints and how the Congresswoman can assist at the federal level to ensure corrections officers have necessary resources to support rehabilitation, behavioral health efforts, and reductions in recidivism, while remaining safe at work and having the support they need to thrive.

The critical work of corrections officers doesn’t receive the respect and appreciation that it merits. These men and women are core to our community safety and upholding our judicial system, but sadly their career has one of the shortest life expectancies of any public safety field and a tragically high rate of suicide,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “I was honored to spend time with these folks and hear about how I can be helpful in increasing their safety and fighting for the resources they need to do their work successfully and address growing needs at the facility.”

In August, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez visited the WSCJTC Southwest Washington regional law enforcement training academy, which provides training for local corrections officers. 

The Congresswoman supports increased funding for the Byrne JAG and COPS grants that can support local law enforcement and corrections facilities.