Alaska state Rep. Eastman sparks outrage after asking about the potential economic benefits of the deaths of abused Alaska children

Anchorage Daily News February 21, 2023

JUNEAU - Wasilla Republican Rep. David Eastman sparked outrage online after asking whether there could be economic benefits from the death of abused children. Eastman asked a series of questions during a Monday House Judiciary Committee hearing on adverse childhood experiences — such as physical and sexual abuse on children or growing up in a household marred by domestic violence — and how they can negatively affect a person throughout their lives. As part of the presentation, documents given to legislators estimated that when child abuse is fatal, it could cost the family and broader society $1.5 million in terms of trauma and what the child could potentially have earned over their lifetime.

Eastman said that he had heard an argument, on occasion, that when child abuse is fatal, it could economically benefit a society. “It can be argued, periodically, that it’s actually a cost savings because that child is not going to need any of those government services that they might otherwise be entitled to receive and need based on growing up in this type of environment,” he said.

“Can you say that again? Did you say, ‘a benefit for society?’” asked Trevor Storrs, president and CEO of the Alaska Children’s Trust, in response. He said the loss of a child is “unmeasurable” to a family. Rep. Cliff Groh, D-Anchorage, said he was “disturbed” by Eastman’s line of questioning after working as a prosecutor on child abuse cases.

Anchorage Democratic Rep. Andrew Gray later recounted that he and his husband had adopted their child from the foster care system who had several adverse childhood experiences. He said it may not have been intended, but the implication from Eastman’s comments was that his child was better off dead. ”I would just say for me personally, my child is the greatest joy I’ve ever had — that there is no price tag on that,” he said while choking up. Homer Republican Rep. Sarah Vance, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, thanked Gray for sharing his story. Neither Vance nor Eastman apologized.

A clip of the exchange between Eastman and Storrs was shared widely on social media, sparking widespread outrage.

Leadership of the Republican-dominated House majority caucus has not yet met to discuss whether Eastman will be punished for his comments.