Walko to Pursue Problem-Solving Courts through Re-appointment

State Representative Don Walko (D-Allegheny) has been re-appointed by Speaker Keith McCall as chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts. Walko plans to utilize his position to push for more "problem-solving courts." These special courts are designed to treat and rehabilitate non-violent offenders without incarceration. Defendants receive services to help them turn their lives around. Walko says problem-solving courts such as drug court, veteran's court, and mental illness court have had great success and save counties money. Walko intends to offer legislation creating more funding for counties to develop problem-solving courts of their own.