In the midst of an election cycle it is easy to get caught up in politics. But our state is facing too many challenges to let politics stand in the way. We need leaders who will work across the aisle to find solutions to keep our communities safe.

We are lucky to have Senator Pat Toomey, who has been one of these leaders. In fact, he has made supporting our law enforcement officers and first responders a top priority of his campaign.

That’s why I believe Senator Toomey should join the growing bipartisan support for the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act currently being considered in Congress. The legislation has garnered support from law enforcement groups such as the National District Attorneys Association, Law Enforcement Leaders and the International Association of Chiefs of Police — the world’s largest organization of law enforcement executives.

These groups believe this bill creates a balance of upholding and expanding mandatory minimums for violent and career criminals, while reducing criminal relapse and tackling the increasing prison population through careful, thoughtful and tough measures.

The legislation has also received wide bipartisan support, from Republican senators like Mike Lee and John Cornyn to Democrat senators like our very own Senator Robert Casey.

Now is the time to look beyond politics and urge Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to consider this legislation this summer.