Alaska House of Representatives Censures Representative for Comments on Fatal Child Abuse as a “Cost Savings

The Alaska House of Representatives has censured a state lawmaker for his comments about fatal child abuse being a “cost savings”.

During a committee hearing on Monday, Representative David Eastman asked a testifier how he would respond to the argument that fatal child abuse can be a cost savings. The representative from the Alaska Children’s Trust was delivering a policy briefing to legislators focused on the fact that fatal child abuse and neglect can cost the family and broader society over time an estimated $1.5 million in health care expenses and potential lifetime earnings.

Eastman’s comments have been widely condemned by both sides of the aisle. House Speaker Bryce Edgmon, a Democrat, said Eastman’s comments were “unacceptable and have no place in our discourse.” Republican Representative Laddie Shaw said Eastman’s comments were “inexcusable” and “not reflective of the values of the Alaska House of Representatives.”

The House voted unanimously to censure Eastman, a Republican, for his comments. The censure is a formal reprimand and does not carry any other penalties.

Eastman has a history of making incendiary remarks. He has previously been criticized for his comments about Alaska Native languages and for his opposition to a bill that would have allowed victims of sexual assault to terminate their rapists’ parental rights.

Eastman has not yet commented on the censure.