(New York) —Today, Governor Kathy Hochul said that nine out of ten prison guards are currently participating in the illegal work stoppage and abandoning their duties and responsibilities. The Governor reportedly said she is considering alternative holding centers or transferring people to out-of-state prisons. In response, Jose Saldana, Director of the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign (RAPP), and a survivor of 38 years in prison, released the following statement:
“Governor Hochul should first consider all avenues to safely release people, especially the elderly population and others who are medically vulnerable, including expansive use of executive clemency and medical parole. Beyond this immediate step, a sound and reasonable solution is to work with the Legislature to pass the Elder Parole and Fair & Timely Parole bills, along with sentencing reforms, to ensure that people who are community-ready aren’t being warehoused without consistent food, medical care, visits with loved ones, and more…