By: David Weprin, Queens Daily Eagle
The clock is ticking for parole justice in 2023, and death by incarceration continues to plague New York State’s correctional system. We must pass Fair & Timely Parole and Elder Parole this year.
I served as chair of the New York State Assembly Committee on Corrections from 2017 through 2022, and during my tenure I visited correctional facilities all over the state. I met and spoke with hundreds of incarcerated individuals, all of whom had made serious mistakes that put them in prison. But what is critically important to acknowledge is that our correctional system is meant to “correct” — not to “punish” — those inside the walls. And it is my belief, from hundreds of conversations, that the vast majority of incarcerated individuals are remorseful, have accepted responsibility for their mistakes, and are willing to do the rehabilitative work it takes to return to their communities….