Members of Congress join the fight to pass parole reform in New York

Fair and Timely Parole as well as Elder Parole have languished in the state Legislature, but momentum for the bills is building.

On the heels of statewide rallies in support of passing parole reform, seven members of Congress have sent a letter to state leaders calling on them to pass two measures that have languished for several years in Albany.

The lawmakers called for the passage of Fair and Timely Parole, and Elder Parole. The first would make it easier for people who are eligible for parole to have it granted, while the latter would make most incarcerated people aged 55 or older eligible for parole. “Respectfully, we believe that parole release reform should be next on the agenda,” the members wrote. “These bills will promote rehabilitation in prison, improve safety, and reunite families in our districts.” …