Assemblyman Andrew Molitor, R-Westfield, who was appointed to the Human Services Budget Committee on behalf of the Assembly Republican Conference, spoke at the committee hearing recently addressing key concerns regarding the state budget, expressing both support and frustration over critical social services.

“We are pleased to see the state has finally chosen to repay the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, rather than unfairly burdening our small businesses with this debt,” Molitor said. “This is something our conference has advocated for over the last several years, and we are glad to see it finally addressed.”

Molitor also emphasized the importance of consistent and fair funding for veteran services.

“While we are certainly happy to see an increase in veteran benefits in the one-house budget, it is deeply frustrating that the governor continues to reduce these benefits every year as a negotiating tactic. No one wants to see veteran benefits lost, and it should not be a bargaining chip in budget discussions,” Molitor said.

As a former prosecutor, Molitor also highlighted his concerns regarding the state’s handling of adolescent and juvenile offenders under the raise the age law.

“I have seen firsthand how adolescent offenders, after being charged with serious crimes, complete the family court process only to be rearrested for new, serious crimes once they become adults,” Molitor said. “The pattern is clear and the impact is devastating — not only for the young individuals but for the communities affected.”

Molitor pointed to a critical failure in the current system: the lack of available services and detention beds for juvenile offenders.

“There are instances where courts have ordered individuals to youth detention facilities, but due to a shortage of services or available beds, these individuals are released only to re-offend. This is unacceptable,” Molitor said.

He called for a more structured, statewide approach to addressing these issues.

“Rather than leaving local governments to figure out how to use the nearly $1 billion allocated for raise the age services, we should establish a statewide system that effectively protects both our youth and our communities. We owe it to victims, to business owners and to families to ensure we are addressing the root causes of crime while maintaining public safety,” Molitor said.