ADVOCATES APPLAUD LETTER TO GOV. HOCHUL FROM NAACP’S DR. HAZEL DUKES URGING SUPPORT FOR PAROLE JUSTICE MEASURES
October 18, 2021: Press Release
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY RESEARCHERS, CONGRESSMEMBER NADLER, FAMILIES WITH LOVED ONES IN PRISON, AND LAWMAKERS RELEASE NEW REPORT REVEALING SURGING DEATHS IN NY PRISONS
October 12, 2021: Press Release
AS GOV. HOCHUL’S 45-DAY PERIOD OF REVIEW AND REVAMP OF EXECUTIVE OFFICE COMES TO A CLOSE, ADVOCATES URGE ACTION TO ADDRESS CRISIS OF MASS INCARCERATION
October 7, 2021: Media Advisory
ADVOCATES RESPOND TO GOV. HOCHUL’S SELECTION OF DR. MARY T. BASSETT, SUPPORTER OF DECARCERATION FOR PUBLIC HEALTH, AS NY HEALTH COMMISSIONER
September 29, 2021: Press Release
In response to Gov. Kathy Hochul signing legislation to help address problems associated with technical parole violations, TeAna Taylor from the People’s Campaign for Parole Justice released the following statement
September 17, 2021: Press Release
Advocates & Lawmakers Hold Rally Calling for Passage of Parole Justice Bills in Addition to Eviction Moratorium Extension
September 1, 2021: Press Release, NY State
RAPP Campaign Director Calls On Gov. Hochul & NY Legislature to Extend State Eviction Moratorium
August 31, 2021, NY: PRESS STATEMENT
Advocates Respond to Selection of Parole Justice Supporter Brian Benjamin for Lieutenant Governor, Cite Renewed Momentum for Reform Legislation
August 25, 2021, NYC: MEDIA RELEASE
Advocates Celebrate 5 Incarcerated New Yorkers Granted Clemency by Gov. Cuomo & Call On Gov. Hochul to Use Her Clemency Power As Soon As She Enters Office
August 23, 2021, NYC: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Families With Loved Ones in Prison, Lawmakers, and Advocates to Hold Emergency Rally Calling on Gov. Cuomo to Grant More Clemencies During Final Days in Office
August 19, 2021, 11:00 am, NYC: PRESS RELEASE
Advocates Celebrate 5 Incarcerated New Yorkers Granted Clemency and Call on Gov. Cuomo to Grant More in His Final Days in Office
August 16, 2021, NYC: PRESS RELEASE
Citing Gov. Cuomo’s Heartless Failure to Act on Valerie Gaiter’s Clemency Application, Friends & Lawmakers Hold Vigil & Press Conference on Anniversary of Her Death in Prison and Demand Parole Justice
August 12, 2021, 5:30 pm, NYC: PRESS RELEASE
Friends & Lawmakers to Hold Vigil and Press Conference on 5th Anniversary of John MacKenzie’s Death in NY Prison & Demand Parole Justice
August 4, 2021, 6:00 pm, NYC • PRESS RELEASE
End Of Session Statement by Teana Taylor of The People’s Campaign for Parole Justice
June 10, 2021
…
On Final Day of Legislative Session, Lawmakers & Advocates Make Clear: Parole Reform Isn’t Done Without Elder Parole And Fair & Timely Parole Bills
June 10, 2021
PARTICIPANTS HIGHLIGHTED THE URGENCY OF PASSING ELDER PAROLE AND FAIR & TIMELY PAROLE BILLS AND LAY OUT THE HUMAN AND FINANCIAL TOLL OF INACTION
…
On Final Day Of Legislative Session, Lawmakers And Advocates To Make Clear: Parole Reform Isn’t Done Without Elder Parole And Fair & Timely Parole Bills
June 10, 2021, 11:00 a.m.
ON THIRD DAY OF CAMPOUT PROTEST, SPEAKERS WILL CALL ON ALBANY LAWMAKERS TO ADDRESS RACIALLY BIASED PAROLE BOARD AND CRISIS OF AGING IN PRISON BEFORE SESSION ENDS
…
Dr. Hazel Dukes of the NAACP Joins NYU Law Center on Race, Inequality & the Law to Release Report on Racial Disparities in Parole Decisions at Virtual Press Conference
Wednesday, June 9, 2021: New York, NY
SPEAKERS RELEASED NEW DATA HIGHLIGHTING RACIAL DISPARITIES IN NEW YORK’S PAROLE SYSTEM AND CALLED ON ALBANY LAWMAKERS TO PASS THE ELDER PAROLE & FAIR & TIMELY PAROLE BILLS IN FINAL DAYS OF LEGISLATIVE SESSION
…
In Final Week Of Ny Legislative Session, Advocates And NYS Lawmakers Announce End-of-session Sleep-out For Parole Justice
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
Today, in response to the legislature agreeing to pass legislation to help address problems associated with technical parole violations, Jose Saldana of the People’s Campaign for Parole Justice released the following statement…
June 8, 2021: New York, NY
…
In Final Week of Ny Legislative Session, Crime Survivors & Victims’ Rights Advocates Join NYS Lawmakers to Urge Passage of Parole Justice Measures
June 7, 2021: Albany, NY
Participants Highlight The Importance Of Passing The Fair & Timely Parole and Elder Parole Bills to Victims & Survivors
…
600 New Yorkers & Lawmakers From Across State Join March for Parole Justice as Legislative Session Nears Close
June 5, 2021: New York, NY
Busloads of People From Western New York, Long Island, Capitol Region, Westchester, and NYC March from Gov. Cuomo’s Nyc Office to Legislative Leaders’ Downtown Offices to Demand Passage of The Elder Parole and Fair & Timely Parole Bills
…
Long Island & Westchester Lawmakers & Advocates Hold Virtual Press Conference Calling For Passage of Parole Justice Measures as Legislative Session Nears Close
June 4, 2021, 11:00 a.m.
Speakers Highlight the Crisis of Aging and Dying of Suburban New Yorkers in Prisons and Demand Passage of the Elder Parole and Fair & Timely Parole Bills
…
NAACP New York State Conference Announces Support for the Passage of Elder Parole and Fair and Timely Parole Bills
June 1, 2021: Statewide Conference Calls on Legislature to Pass #ParoleJusticeNY bills
Statewide Conference Joins Statewide Grassroots Movement Calling on New York Lawmakers to Pass Parole Reform Legislation this Session to Address Systemic Racism
…
Advocates Applaud Heastie for Prioritizing Parole Reform in End-of-Session Push, Urge Legislature to Bring Hope and Healing to Families Torn Apart by Mass Incarceration
May 26, 2021: • Press Statement
Grassroots Campaign Backed by 300+ Organizations Urges Passage of Fair & Timely Parole and Elder Parole Bills to Create Fair Opportunities for Release for Incarcerated People
…
Crime Victims, Survivor Advocates, Formerly Incarcerated Advocates and Legislators From Across NY State Hold Virtual Press Conference for Parole Reform During National Crime Victims Rights Week
April 22, 2021 — 10:00am: New York, New York
Participants Highlighted Intersections of Parole Justice and Survivor Justice
…
Faith Leaders, Formerly Incarcerated Advocates, and Legislators From Across NY State Mark National “Second Chance” Month With Call For Parole Reform
April 13, 2021- 10:00am: New York, New York
Participants Highlight the Moral Need to Ensure Prison Release Determinations are Rooted in Redemption and Personal Transformation
…
April 12, 2021: After Passage of NY State Budget, Coalition of Political Leaders, Advocates, and Lawmakers Hold Press Conference: Parole Reform is Next on Albany Agenda
April 12, 2021: New York, New York
Participants Highlighted the Urgency of Passing Elder Parole and Fair & Timely Parole Bills and Lay Out the Human and Financial Toll of Inaction
…
April 7, 2021: RAPP Celebrates Victory for Undocumented People, Condemns Exclusion of the Formerly Incarcerated
April 7, 2021: New York, New York
STATEMENT FROM THE RELEASE AGING PEOPLE IN PRISON CAMPAIGN IN RESPONSE TO THE PASSAGE OF THE FUND EXCLUDED WORKERS PROGRAM
…
April 1, 2021: Governor Cuomo Signs the HALT Solitary Confinement Act into Law/Statement from RAPP Director Jose Saldana
April 1, 2021: New York, New York
In response to Governor Andrew Cuomo signing the HALT Solitary Confinement Act into law, Jose Saldana, Director of the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign released the following statement:
…
March 29, 2021: Release Aging People in Prison Campaign Responds to NY Supreme Court Decision Making All Incarcerated People in NY State Prisons Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine
March 29, 2021: New York, New York
Today, the N.Y. State Supreme Court ruled that all incarcerated people in New York State be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. In response, Release Aging People in Prison Director Jose Saldana, released the following statement:
…
March 24, 2021: After Visiting NY Women’s Prisons, State Lawmakers To Join Advocates For Women’s History Month Press Conference In Support Of Justice Reforms
March 24, 2021: New York State
THE GROUP WILL CALL ON LEGISLATURE TO PASS PAROLE REFORMS, DEMAND GOV. CUOMO SIGN THE HALT SOLITARY CONFINEMENT ACT, AND CALL FOR OTHER JUSTICE REFORMS
…
March 23, 2021: Advocates Respond to Incarcerated Person Dying of COVID-19 at Clinton Prison
March 23, 2021: Dannemora, NY
THE NUMBER OF INCARCERATED PEOPLE IN NY STATE PRISONS WHO HAVE TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 SURPASSES 6,000
…
March 16, 2021: Formerly Incarcerated Women and Leading Gender Justice Advocates To Join NY State Lawmakers In Women’s History Month Virtual Press Conference In Support Of Parole Reform
March 16, 2021 • (Tuesday) 11am): New York State • Zoom streaming
PARTICIPANTS WILL CALL FOR PASSAGE OF ELDER PAROLE AND FAIR & TIMELY PAROLE BILLS AS PART OF ‘PAROLE JUSTICE IS GENDER JUSTICE’ ADVOCACY DAY
…
March 10, 2021: Amid Budget Deficits, Columbia University Center for Justice Releases New Report, “Unlocking Billions” on Massive Savings From Pending Slate of Justice Reforms
March 10, 2021: New York, New York
ACADEMICS, ADVOCATES & LEGISLATORS HIGHLIGHT FISCAL BENEFITS OF PASSING PAROLE REFORM, HALT SOLITARY CONFINEMENT ACT, MARIJUANA TAXATION AND REGULATION ACT, RESTORING COLLEGE IN PRISONS AND CLOSING PRISONS
…
March 9, 2021: People’s Campaign for Parole Justice Responds to Fair & Timely Parole Act Passing NY Assembly Correction Committee
March 9, 2021: New York State
Today, the New York State Assembly Committee on Correction passed the Fair & Timely Parole Act (A.4231). In response, the People’s Campaign for Parole Justice’s policy and communications associate, TeAna Taylor, released the following statement:
…
March 9, 2021: Formerly Incarcerated Women Joined NYS Legislators at Women’s History Month Rally Outside Bedford Hills Prison to Support All Women Behind Bars, Particularly Women of Color and Trans Women
March 9, 2021: Bedford Hills, New York
PARTICIPANTS CALLED FOR PASSAGE OF ELDER PAROLE AND FAIR & TIMELY PAROLE BILLS AS PART OF ‘PAROLE JUSTICE IS GENDER JUSTICE’ PUSH, AS WELL AS THE HALT SOLITARY BILL AND RESTORATION OF VISITS
…
March 6, 2021: Advocates Slam Gov. Cuomo After Another Incarcerated Person Dies of COVID-19 in NYS Prison
March 6, 2021: New York State
ADVOCATES CALL ON LAWMAKERS TO PASS REFORMS AS THEY WORK TO RESTORE CO-EQUAL BRANCH POWER IN ALBANY
THE NUMBER OF INCARCERATED PEOPLE IN NY STATE PRISONS WHO TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 SURPASSED 6,000
…
February 22, 2021: People’s Campaign for Parole Justice Responds to Fair & Timely Parole Act Passing NY Senate Crime Committee
February 22, 2021: New York, New York
Today, the New York State Senate Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction passed the Fair & Timely Parole Act (S.1415) for the first time since the bill’s introduction in May 2018. In response, the People’s Campaign for Parole Justice’s policy and communications associate, TeAna Taylor, released the following statement:
…
February 16, 2021, 10 am: Currently Incarcerated Black New Yorkers and Black Leaders From NY Working Families Party, Houses of Worship, and Communities Across NY State Join Legislators in Black History Month Virtual Press Conference in Support of Parole Reform
February 16, 2021 • 10am, zoom: New York, New York
PARTICIPANTS CALLED FOR PASSAGE OF ELDER PAROLE AND FAIR & TIMELY PAROLE BILLS AS PART OF ‘PAROLE JUSTICE IS RACIAL JUSTICE’ ADVOCACY DAY
…
February 4, 2021: Release Aging People in Prison Campaign Responds to Announcement That NYS Prisons Will Begin Vaccinating Incarcerated Older People • BREAKING
February 4, 2021: New York, New York
In response to news that the New York State prison system will begin vaccinating incarcerated older people, aged 65 years and older, for COVID-19, Release Aging People in Prison Campaign Community Leader Theresa Grady, whose husband is a currently incarcerated older person, released the following statement:
…
February 4, 2021: Following COVID Death Amid Outbreak at Franklin Prison, Advocates Demand NYS Lawmakers Pass Parole Justice and #HALTsolitary Reforms
February 4, 2021: New York, New York
Today, the NY State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) reported another COVID death in a New York State prison, this time at Franklin prison in Malone, New York. This tragedy comes amid an outbreak at the facility, with 147 active COVID cases. This is the 31st reported COVID death of a person in New York State prisons. The total number of incarcerated people who tested positive for the virus surpassed 5,000 cases recently and shows no sign of slowing. In response, Jose Saldana, Director of the Release Aging People in Prison
Campaign, said:
…
February 1, 2021: Over 5,000 People Incarcerated in NY State Prisons Have Now Tested Positive for COVID-19
February 1, 2021: New York State
ADVOCATES CALL ON NY STATE LAWMAKERS TO TAKE ACTION BY PASSING REFORMS TO PAROLE AND SOLITARY CONFINEMENT
…
January 27, 2021: Amid COVID-19 Surge and State Fiscal Crisis, Lawmakers, Victim and Survivor Advocates, and Families Impacted by Incarceration to Hold Virtual Rally to Save Lives and Save Money by Passing Parole Reform
January 27, 2021: New York, New York
600 Advocates and Legislators from Long Island to Western New York Call for Passage of the People’s Campaign for Parole Justice Platform
…
January 26, 2021: Following Cuomo Admin’s Admission in NY Times Front Page Exposé That NY Has No Plan To Vaccinate Incarcerated People in State Prisons, Advocates Demand Immediate Releases and Access to Vaccine
January 26, 2021: New York State
In response to a front page, NY Times exposé showing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s administration has no plan to vaccinate incarcerated people in New York State prisons even amidst a serious second wave of COVID-19, the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, #HALTsolitary, Parole Preparation Project, and Center for Community Alternatives released the following statement:
…
January 22, 2021: Following Another COVID-19 Death At Bedford Hills Prison for Women, Advocates Demand NY State Lawmakers Pass Parole Justice and HALT Solitary Reforms
January 22, 2021: New York, New York
THE INCARCERATED PERSON WHO DIED AT BEDFORD HILLS WAS 30TH TO DIE OF COVID-19 BEHIND BARS IN NY STATE PRISONS
WITH VACCINE ROLLOUT HAMPERED BY BUREAUCRATIC CHAOS & LIMITED SUPPLY, RELEASING VULNERABLE INCARCERATED PEOPLE IS URGENT TO SAVE LIVES
…
January 15, 2021: Advocates Respond to COVID-19 Death of Another Incarcerated Person By Demanding NY State Lawmakers Pass Parole Justice and #HALTSolitary Prison Reforms
January 15, 2021: New York, New York
TODAY: THE NUMBER OF INCARCERATED PEOPLE IN NY STATE PRISONS WHO HAVE CONTRACTED COVID-19 SINCE THE START OF THE PANDEMIC OFFICIALLY PASSED 4,000
…
January 14, 2021: Currently Incarcerated New Yorkers, Victim and Survivor Advocates, and 25+ State Lawmakers Announce New Parole Reform Campaign: People’s Campaign for Parole Justice
January 14, 2021: New York, New York
2021 Platform Calls for the Passage of Elder Parole and Fair and Timely Parole Bills, and a Fair and Fully Staffed Parole Board
Today, currently incarcerated New Yorkers, victim and survivor advocates, more than 25 state lawmakers, and a coalition of criminal justice groups hosted a virtual press conference launching a new statewide, grassroots campaign for parole reform in New York State: The People’s Campaign for Parole Justice. Watch a video recording of the event here.
The Campaign works to promote fair and meaningful release opportunities for incarcerated people in New York State prisons by advocating for passage of the Elder Parole and Fair & Timely Parole bills as well as a fair and fully staffed Parole Board. The primary goals of the campaign are decarceration and family reunification. The campaign platform is supported by 250 organizations across New York State, including many who represent victims and survivors of crime.
Dino Caroselli, currently incarcerated at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, said: “These bills are very important to me, other incarcerated people, and our families. For the first time in three decades, I feel alive again because they offer me hope, an opportunity for me to redeem myself, and a chance to take care of my wife. I beg the legislature to pass the Elder Parole bill and Fair and Timely Act to allow more incarcerated New Yorkers fair and meaningful opportunities for release based upon who they are today.”
Caroselli is a 65 year-old Brooklyn native who has served 27 years of a 65-year to life sentence. Unless Elder Parole passes, Dino won’t be eligible for parole in his natural life, despite his rehabilitation.
Luz Marquez, anti-rape & survivor advocate with IamNegrx: Aya Rising Truth telling Project and a supporter of the parole justice campaign, said: “Just as people who are incarcerated are sorry for the harm they have caused, those of us who do the work to support abuse and domestic violence survivors are sorry that we live in a society that responds to harm with punishment and more violence.”
Marie, currently incarcerated at Albion Correctional Facility said: “I have been incarcerated for 19 and a half years, and will be 67 years old in February. I have five children and five grandchildren. These bills should be passed because we’re not what our crimes were. We’re sorry for what we’ve done and over the years we’ve changed and deserve to have a second chance in society.”
Marie, who prefers to remain anonymous, is a Long Island native, serving a 20-year to life sentence. The Fair and Timely Parole Act would ensure that her evaluation for release is based on her rehabilitation and current risk to public safety when she appears before the Parole Board later this year.
“Typically, the actions taken in the name of survivors do not represent the actual desires of survivors. We would rather public officials take action to make sure our communities have the comprehensive resources we need to thrive and that prevent violence in the first place, and that people who commit harm have access to services they need. We support parole reform and urge the Legislature and the governor to pass Elder Parole and Fair & Timely Parole,” said Chrys Ballerano, Senior Director of Collaboration and Training with New York State Coalition
Against Sexual Assault.
Rachel Herzog, PREA Program Coordinator and Therapist with the Crime Victims Treatment Center and campaign supporter, said: “We believe these reforms are deeply necessary and will provide healing not only for currently incarcerated people but numerous survivors as well.”
Stanley Bellamy, who is currently incarcerated and joined the press conference by phone from Green Haven Correctional Facility, said: “When asked to make a statement about what Elder Parole and the Fair and Timely Parole Act would mean to me, my first response was hope, hope that it would finally give me the opportunity to present my case to a parole board. Even after all the pushback with bail reform, New Yorkers gave the Democrats a supermajority. When people vote, they are not only voting for a change in party but a change in policy. Now is the time to pass these bills.”
Chenequa Rogers, a community leader with Center for Community Alternatives whose uncle is incarcerated in state prison, said: “After 27 years of incarceration the New York State parole board dealt my family a tremendous blow by denying my loved one the freedom that he worked so hard for. After changing his life and becoming an asset to himself and others, maintaining an exemplary discipline record, they rewarded him with an additional two years in prison, effectively re-sentencing him at their own discretion. This is why we need the passage of Fair and Timely Parole.”
NYS Senator Brad Hoylman, lead Senate sponsor of Elder Parole, said: “I’m proud to stand with RAPP, grassroots advocates from across the State, and my fellow elected officials for the launch of the People’s Campaign for Parole Justice. To achieve true parole justice, our correctional system must offer incarcerated people a meaningful opportunity for rehabilitation and reentry into their communities. My elder parole legislation would provide incarcerated seniors that opportunity, and ensure that our policies are consistent with the values of redemption, mercy and compassion shared by most New Yorkers. With a Democratic supermajority in both houses of the State Legislature I’ve never felt more certain that now is the moment to act, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose a serious threat to incarcerated people in jails and prisons across the State.”
Assembly Member Carmen De La Rosa, lead Assembly sponsor of the Elder Parole bill, said: “We have been fighting for parole reform in New York because we believe in redemption and in the moral imperative that no one should be sentenced to death in prison. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the critical need to ensure that the Elder Parole and Fair and Timely Parole bills are passed this session. Our prison system’s lack of health care infrastructure has set fire to a deadly outbreak that has already taken dozens of lives in New York State Prisons. Now is the time to move our state from an era of mass incarceration to an era of redemption and justice in our criminal justice system.”
NYS Senator Gustavo Rivera, lead Senate sponsor of Fair and Timely Parole, said: “New York’s laws have endlessly focused on criminalizing and incarcerating Black, brown, immigrant, and low-income communities. We have an obligation to pass legislation that will systematically reform our State’s parole system including my Fair and Timely Parole bill. I proudly stand today with RAPP as they launch their People’s Campaign for Parole Justice and I look forward to continuing to work with them to end the mass incarceration that is bleeding our communities dry.”
“Unnecessary mass incarceration must end now. Thousands of New Yorkers who’ve served their time and demonstrated redemption are continuously denied parole. One key piece in correcting this injustice is Elder Parole and Fair and Timely Parole Reform,” said NYS Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes. “I stand with the People’s Campaign for Parole Justice and my fellow lawmakers in calling for an end to the inhumane and unjust practices that have long separated people who’ve paid their debt to society from their loved ones.”
“Our criminal justice system, including parole, is in desperate need of reform,” said campaign supporter Senator Jeremy Cooney. “We must invest in our communities through support and rehabilitation instead of punishment and address the racial inequalities that have permeated our country for too long.”
Campaign supporter Assembly Member Zohran Kwame Mamdani said: “Part of why I ran for office is to ensure we bring dignity and humanity back to every New Yorker, incarcerated or not. I fully intend to use my power to visit a correctional facility as a legislator because for too long we have not seen the humanity of people behind bars.”
“Mass incarceration directly impacts the welfare of children and families across our great state. When we are discussing ways to empower and uplift our communities, restorative justice has to be central to the conversation,” stated Assembly Member Michaelle C. Solages, Chairperson of the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus. “We are seeing professionals in law enforcement veer more towards prevention and diversion measures, and we must support their efforts by creating opportunities for individuals to re-assimilate back into society after time served. Thank you to all of the advocates who have helped launch the People’s Campaign for Parole Justice to help ensure fair and just reforms to the criminal justice system.”
“New York’s overall prison population is shrinking but for people who are older the exact opposite is happening. The State spends two to three times more than they normally would to house older people despite their low recidivism rates .We hear stories all the time of people who have transformed themselves. Experts support early release programs for people who are elderly. I am in full support of Elder and Fair & Timely Parole and I will fight for these bills,” said campaign supporter Assembly Member Anna Kelles.
Campaign supporter Senator Julia Salazar said: “Passing these bills was urgent before and will continue to be urgent after the pandemic, but right now because of Covid it is a public health crisis. We should be implementing compassionate and constructive policies like Elder Parole and Fair & Timely Parole.”
Campaign supporter Assembly Member Catalina Cruz said: “I think we are out of excuses. We have a supermajority, we have the will, we have folks who truly believe this is the humane thing to do. It is my hope this is the last time people have to share their pain and we finally do the right thing and pass these bills.”
“It’s time to pass these bills and have a fair and fully staffed parole board. This is not just a criminal justice issue, it is a racial justice, gender justice, disability justice, and public health issue. The State has turned its back on incarcerated people during this pandemic. I join the chorus in saying this is wrong and that we must move quickly. Governor Cuomo cannot just say he cares about the Black and Brown community when it is politically opportune. We have to make sure he means it,” said campaign supporter Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas.
“I have been impacted by the system personally and have visited many correctional facilities and I can tell you that they are no place for a human being to live. I stand with you all every step of the way,” said campaign supporter Assembly Member Chantel Jackson.
“I believe people can change. Because if they can, then there is hope. And that is what we should be fighting for as legislators,” said campaign supporter Assembly Member Phara Souffrant Forrest.
Assembly Member Marcela Mitaynes, a supporter of the campaign, said: “Long prison sentences are not rooted in rehabilitation, they are rooted in punishment. Incarceration is cruel, and is especially cruel during a pandemic. You have me as an ally in the State Legislature.”
Campaign supporter, Assembly Correction Committee Chair and Fair and Timely Parole lead sponsor David Weprin, said: “We have to continue to diversify the Parole Board so they look more like the people who are coming before them. I am the lead sponsor of the Fair and Timely Parole Act, I am committed to parole reform, and will continue to advocate for it.”
“If we believe people can grow, then we need a system that reflects that. The current one doesn’t. We do not need to spend another year talking about these issues. We need to do better,” said campaign supporter Assembly Member Harvey Epstein.
“Many people in my community have been impacted by these issues and I have family and friends who have endured this system. I believe our State has a responsibility to rectify the wrongs of policies from decades before through fair and equitable parole systems,” said campaign supporter Assembly Member Kenny Burgos.
BACKGROUND: The People’s Campaign for Parole Justice is a new statewide, grassroots campaign pushing for parole reform in New York State. The campaign platform is supported by 250 organizations across New York State and led by a coalition o of the state’s biggest, most influential social justice and criminal justice groups, including the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, Parole Preparation Project, VOCAL-NY, Citizen Action, New Hour for Women and Children, NY Communities for Change, Center for Community Alternatives, Capitol Area Against Mass Incarceration, Osborne Association, NY Civil Liberties Union, FWD.us, #HALTsolitary Campaign, Legal Aid Society, Center for Justice at Columbia, CUNY Law Defenders Clinic, NYU Law’s Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law.
COVID-19 is worsening in New York State prisons. Since the start of the pandemic, more than 3,800 people incarcerated in prisons have tested positive for COVID-19 (over 1,000 in the past month). Twenty-eight incarcerated people have died of COVID so far, including 10 deaths in the last month alone. There are currently outbreaks of the virus at Attica, Albion, Coxsackie, Bedford Hills, Bare Hill, Clinton, Woodbourne, Groveland, Cayuga, and Walsh Correctional Facilities. The People’s Campaign for Parole Justice are calling on lawmakers in Albany to pass two bills
that will address this pandemic behind bars and prevent similar tragedies in the future:
- Elder Parole (S.15) would allow the State Board of Parole to provide an evaluation for potential parole release to incarcerated people aged 55 and older who have already served 15 or more years, including some of the state’s oldest and sickest incarcerated people.
- Fair and Timely Parole (S.1415) would provide more meaningful parole reviews for incarcerated people who are already parole eligible.
The Campaign is also calling on Governor Cuomo to fully staff the Parole Board with 19 Commissioners who come from communities that have been directly affected by mass incarceration and have professional and clinical backgrounds including social work, nursing, reentry services, and other fields that allow them to evaluate incarcerated people for who they are today. The Board currently has three vacancies.
January 12, 2021: Advocates Respond to COVID Death of Another Incarcerated Person By Demanding State Lawmakers Pass COVID-Related Reforms As They Start 2021 Session
January 12, 2021: New York, New York
NEWLY RELEASED DATA SHOWS MORE INCARCERATED PEOPLE IN NY PRISONS HAVE TESTED POSITIVE SINCE DECEMBER 1 THAN IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THE PANDEMIC COMBINED
…
January 6, 2021: Advocates Respond to COVID-19 Deaths of Three More Incarcerated People by Demanding State Lawmakers Pass COVID-related Reforms as They Begin 2021 Session
January 6, 2021: New York, New York
NINE PEOPLE INCARCERATED IN NY STATE PRISONS HAVE DIED OF COVID-19 IN THE LAST THREE WEEKS
…
January 5, 2021: With 6 New Deaths and Spike in COVID Cases in State Prisons, Advocates and Family Members Call on Gov. Cuomo to Ensure Incarcerated New Yorkers are Prioritized for Vaccine Access
January 5, 2021: New York, New York
THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES ARE LEFT WONDERING WHEN THEIR LOVED ONES WILL GAIN ACCESS TO VACCINES
…
January 2, 2021: In wake of two more COVID-19 deaths in NYS prisons, advocates call on Albany lawmakers to pass reforms as Gov. Cuomo refuses to address the crisis
January 2, 2021: New York, New York
SIX INCARCERATED PEOPLE HAVE DIED OF COVID-19 IN NY STATE PRISONS IN LAST THREE WEEKS AMID COVID SURGE
…
December 30, 2020: Advocates Mourn Another Incarcerated Person Dead of COVID-19, in Wende Prison, and Amid Rising Death Toll, Renew Call for Emergency Action
December 30, 2020: New York, New York
FOUR INCARCERATED PEOPLE HAVE DIED OF COVID-19 IN NY STATE PRISONS IN LAST TWO WEEKS AMID COVID SURGE
…
December 29, 2020: New York Advocates Demand Emergency Action in Response to New COVID-19 Death at Auburn Prison
December 29, 2020: New York, New York
THREE INCARCERATED PEOPLE HAVE DIED OF COVID-19 IN NY STATE PRISONS IN LAST TWO WEEKS AMID COVID SURGE
…
December 24, 2020: Advocates Welcome Home 7 New Yorkers Granted Clemency Yet Share the Heartbreak of Thousands of Families Whose Loved Ones Will Continue to Languish Behind Bars During COVID-19 Pandemic
December 24, 2020: New York State
2,519 incarcerated people in NY applied for clemency in 2020; Cuomo granted clemency to less than 1% of them
Today, Governor Andrew Cuomo granted clemency to 7 incarcerated people in the New York State prison system. In response, the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign and Parole Preparation Project released the following statement:
…
December 23, 2020: Long Island Advocates and Community Members Call on Gov. Cuomo Ahead of the Holidays and Amidst COVID-19
December 23, 2020: Mineola, New York
This evening, roughly 40 Long Islanders with family members in prison, formerly incarcerated women and men, and advocates held a socially distant rally to call on Governor Andrew Cuomo to grant clemencies to New Yorkers in prison and reunite families, ahead of Christmas, and amid a surge of COVID-19 across the state prison system.
…
December 22, 2020: New York Advocates Demand Emergency Decarceration in Response to New COVID-19 Death at Clinton Prison
December 22, 2020: New York State
On Tuesday, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) reported that an incarcerated person at Clinton Correctional Facility died of COVID19. That’s the second incarcerated person in NY State prisons to die of COVID-19 in the last week. In response, a coalition of advocates from New Hour for Women Children LI, Center for Community Alternatives, Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, Parole Preparation Project, Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, and the #HALTsolitary Campaign released the following statement:
…
December 22, 2020: Ahead of Christmas and Amid COVID-19 Prison Surge, Coalition of Advocates Rally to Call on Gov. Cuomo to Grant Clemency to Incarcerated New Yorkers
December 22, 2020: New York, New York
Tonight, roughly 75 New Yorkers with family members in prison, formerly incarcerated people, and advocates held a socially distant rally to call on Governor Andrew Cuomo to grant clemencies to New Yorkers in prison and reunite families ahead of Christmas, and amid a surge of COVID-19 across the state prison system.
…
December 22, 2020: Advocates Respond to NYS Prison Closure Announcement
December 22, 2020: New York State
The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision announced they will be closing three state prisons in the coming weeks, including Watertown, Gowanda, and Clinton Annex Correctional Facilities. In response, Jose Saldana, Director of the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign released the following statement:
…
December 17, 2020: Advocates Demand Immediate Decarceration in Response to New COVID Death at Woodbourne CF
December 17, 2020: New York State
On Thursday, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) reported that an incarcerated person at Woodbourne Correctional Facility died of COVID-19. The prison system also reported 50 incarcerated
people have new, active cases at the facility, where 40% of the incarcerated population is older. In response, Center for Community Alternatives, Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, Parole Preparation Project, Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, the #HALTsolitary Campaign, and FWD.us released the following statement:
…
December 10, 2020: Advocates Call for Immediate Action to Release Incarcerated People Amid New COVID-19 Spike in NYS Prisons
December 10, 2020: New York, New York
On Friday, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) reported 120 new COVID-19 cases in the last six days, including outbreaks in seven state prisons. In response, Center for Community Alternatives, Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, Parole Preparation Project, Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, HALT Solitary Confinement Campaign, New Hour for Women and Children, and FWD.us released the following statement:
…
December 7, 2020: Families of Those in Prison and Advocates Will Hold Vigil At Governor’s Mansion to Call on Gov. Cuomo to Grant Emergency Clemencies Amidst COVID-19 Surge
December 7, 2020: Albany, New York
*Media Advisory
…
November 23, 2020: Ahead of Thanksgiving and Amidst COVID-19 Surge, Families of Those in Prison, Formerly Incarcerated Leaders, Lawmakers, and Advocates Call on Gov. Cuomo to Grant Clemency to Bring People Home for the Holidays
November 23, 2020: New York, New York
Roughly 100 New Yorkers, including those with family members in prison, formerly incarcerated people, New York State lawmakers, and advocates held a socially distant rally to call on Governor Andrew Cuomo to grant clemencies to New Yorkers in prison and reunite families ahead of Thanksgiving and the holiday season, and amid a surge of COVID-19 across the state prison system.
…
November 12, 2020: Advocates, Family Members To Rally Calling on Gov. Cuomo To Release Arthur Green, 70 Years Old, Who Is Dying in Wende Correctional Facility
November 12, 2020: New York, New York
NYC NATIVE ARTHUR GREEN DYING IN PRISON HOSPICE FROM END STAGE RENAL FAILURE AFTER SERVING 44 YEARS BEHIND BARS
The Group Called on Cuomo to Grant Clemency to Arthur Green and Other Old and Sick Incarcerated New Yorkers and Demanded Lawmakers in Albany Pass the Fair and Timely Parole Act and Elder Parole Bill
…
October 28, 2020: Advocates Slam Gov. Cuomo for Misleading the Public About Unprecedented Rise in COVID-19 Cases in State Prison
October 28, 2020: New York, New York
Governor Cuomo Has Granted Fewer Clemencies to People in Prison During COVID-19 Pandemic than Racist President Donald Trump
…
October 22, 2020: Amidst New COVID-19 Spike and Another COVID-19 Death in NYS Prison, Advocates Will Rally Outside Greene Prison, a COVID Hotspot: Media Advisory
October 22, 2020: Green Correctional Facility in Coxsackie, New York
In the Wake of 164 New COVID Cases Among Incarcerated People in the Last Two Days, Advocates Will Call on Cuomo to Immediately Grant Clemencies to All 188 Older People and Others at the Facility
Demonstrators Will Also Demand Albany Lawmakers Pass Elder Parole and Fair and Timely Parole Acts, Two Pending Parole Reform Bills
…
October 19, 2020: 13 Groups Demand Gov. Cuomo, State Lawmakers Take Immediate Action to Release Incarcerated People in Wake of Another COVID-19 Death And Second Wave of Cases in NYS Prisons
October 19, 2020: New York state
Advocates Mourn the Loss of Another COVID-19 Death in NY Prisons
The Coalition Calls on Gov. Cuomo to Grant Emergency Clemencies and for Lawmakers to Pass Elder Parole and Fair and Timely Parole Bills
…
October 14, 2020: Rally and Vigil in Wake of In-Prison Death of Salih Abdullah, 74-Year-Old Elder Who Died in Prison During His 14th Parole Hearing
October 14, 2020: New York, New York and Albany, New York
ADVOCATES, STATE LAWMAKERS HOLD RALLY AND VIGIL IN THE WAKE OF IN-PRISON DEATH OF SALIH ABDULLAH, 74 YEAR-OLD ELDER WHO SUFFERED A FATAL STROKE IN THE MIDDLE OF HIS 14TH PAROLE BOARD INTERVIEW AT WENDE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY AFTER 47 YEARS IN PRISON
The Group Called on Lawmakers in Albany to Pass the Fair and Timely Parole Act and Elder Parole Bill to Address Governor Cuomo’s and the Parole Board’s Fatal Lack of Prison Releases
…
October 14, 2020: Advocates, State Lawmakers To Hold Rally and Vigil in the Wake of In-Prison Death of Salih Abdullah; 74-Year-Old Elder Who Suffered Fatal Stroke in the Middle of His 14th Parole Board Interview at Wende Correctional Facility After 47 Years in Prison • Media Advisory
October 14, 2020: New York City: Foley Square, Albany: Outside the Governor’s Mansion
ADVOCATES, STATE LAWMAKERS TO HOLD RALLY AND VIGIL IN THE WAKE OF IN-PRISON DEATH OF SALIH ABDULLAH, 74 YEAR-OLD ELDER WHO SUFFERED A FATAL STROKE IN
HE MIDDLE OF HIS 14TH PAROLE BOARD INTERVIEW AT WENDE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY AFTER 47 YEARS IN PRISON
The Group will Call on Lawmakers in Albany to Pass the Fair and Timely Parole Act and Elder Parole Bill to Address Governor Cuomo’s and the Parole Board’s Fatal Lack of Prison Releases
…
October 13, 2020: On the Needless, Cruel Death of Salih Abdullah, 74, Who Died During 14th Appearance at NYS Parole Board, After 47 Years Behind Bars
October 13, 2020: New York, New York
Joint Statement in Response to the Prison Death of Salih Abdullah: 74 Year-Old Incarcerated New Yorker Who Needlessly Died at His 14th Appearance in Front of the State Parole Board After 47 years in Prison
…
October 11, 2020: Criminal Justice Advocates Discover “Missing Chapter” of Governor Cuomo’s Book, Call on Him to Address the COVID-19 Crisis Behind Bars
October 11, 2020: New York, New York
CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADVOCATES DISCOVER “MISSING CHAPTER” OF GOVERNOR CUOMO’S BOOK, CALL ON HIM TO ADDRESS THE COVID-19 CRISIS BEHIND BARS
Coalition of Criminal Justice Reform Advocates Make Case for Prison Release, Jail Decarceration & Enforcement of Proper Health Practices for Those Incarcerated During COVID Pandemic
…
October 11, 2020: “The Missing Chapter: Governor Cuomo’s Failure to Protect Incarcerated New Yorkers from COVID-19” This is the chapter missing from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s New Book, “American Crisis: Leadership Lessons From The COVID-19 Pandemic.”
October 11, 2020: New York, New York
The Missing Chapter: Governor Cuomo’s Failure to Protect Incarcerated New Yorkers from COVID-19
COVID-19 has impacted and harmed all New Yorkers, including the roughly 40,000 people incarcerated in New York State prisons. While I’ve spent the last seven months preaching about the importance of wearing PPE, social distancing, being smart and responsible, and taking care of each other, I have wholly abdicated my responsibilities as the overseer of 52 state prisons that make up the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS).
…
September 22, 2020: In Advance of NYS Senate Hearing on COVID-19 in Prisons and Jails, Advocates Hold a Virtual Press Conference Demanding More Releases, Better Conditions for Incarcerated New Yorkers • Media Advisory
September 22, 2020– 9:00 am: Albany, New York, Online
Before NYS Senate Hearing on Covid-19 in Prisons and Jails, Advocates to Hold Virtual Press Conference Demanding More Releases and Better Conditions for Incarcerated New Yorkers
In Advance of Giving Formal Testimony, Formerly Incarcerated People, Family Members of Incarcerated People, and Public Health Experts, will Call for Release of Elderly People, an End to Solitary Confinement, and More
…
September 13, 2020: Attica is Now! rallies in NYC (Foley Square) and Albany (West Capitol Park) demand justice for incarcerated New Yorkers
September 13, 2020- 1:00pm: New York, New York and Albany, New York
Attica is Now: Community Leaders Gather in NYC & Albany on 49th Anniversary of Attica Prison Massacre to Demand Justice for Incarcerated New Yorkers
The Group Called on Gov. Cuomo & State Lawmakers to Release People from Prison, End the Practice of Solitary Confinement, Among Other Changes
…
August 19, 2020: People’s Hearing on COVID-19 and Prisons and Jails
August 19, 2020 • 10:00am: New York, New York
Hearing sponsored by Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, Parole Preparation Project, #HALTsolitary Campaign, FWD.us, and Center for Community Alternatives
With NYS Lawmakers Ignoring Crisis of COVID-19 Behind Bars, Advocates Held a “People’s Hearing” on the Impacts of the Pandemic in Prisons & Jails
…
July 29, 2020: STATEMENT: RAPP CAMPAIGN CALLS OUT AG WILLIAM BARR’S COMMENTS ON SENTENCING OLDER PEOPLE TO PRISON
July 29, 2020: New York, New York
Today, the Release Aging People in Prison (RAPP) Campaign, a grassroots criminal justice advocacy campaign based in New York State, released the following statement on comments made by U.S. Attorney General William Barr before the House Judiciary Committee defending his reduction of the sentencing recommendation for Roger Stone. Specifically, AG Barr asked rhetorically: “Do you think it is fair for a 67-year-old man to be sent to prison for 7 to 9 years?”
…
July 24, 2020: BREAKING: Advocates Demand Gov. Cuomo & NY State Lawmakers Take Immediate Action to Release Incarcerated People in Response to the Latest COVID-19 Death in the NY State Prison System
July 24, 2020: New York, New York
The Group Calls on Cuomo to Grant Emergency Clemencies and for Lawmakers to Pass Elder Parole and Fair and Timely Parole Bills
…
July 23, 2020: Advocates Slam Gov. Cuomo for Failing to Provide COVID-19 Testing Results to More Than 1,000 Incarcerated People
July 23, 2020: New York, New York
The Group Demands Every Incarcerated New Yorker Have Access to COVID Testing and Timely Results, and Calls on Leaders of the State Senate and Assembly to Hold a Hearing on COVID-19 in NYS Prisons
…
July 21, 2020: Justice Advocates Held Press Conference to End 24-Hour Demonstration in Albany Laying Body Bags on State Capitol Steps
July 21, 2020: Albany, New York
The Group Placed Responsibility of Prison Deaths on Lawmakers and Demanded They Pass HALT Solitary Confinement, Elder Parole, and Fair and Timely Parole Bills This Week to Prevent More Deaths in Prison
…
July 20, 2020: Justice Advocates Launch 24-Hour Demonstration at NY State Capitol to Demand Lawmakers Pass Prison Reform Bill Package
July 20, 2020: Albany, New York
The Group Began the Action with a Press Conference in Support of the HALT Solitary Confinement, Elder Parole, and Fair and Timely Parole Bills Next to an Installation of a Replica Solitary Confinement Cell and Prison Graveyard to Highlight the Torture and Deaths of Incarcerated People
…
July 8, 2020: Activists Respond to First COVID-19 Case at Gov. Cuomo’s New Prison Nursing Home at Adirondack Correctional Facility
July 8, 2020: New York, New York
…
July 6, 2020: Local Activists and Criminal Justice Reform Advocates Host Press Conference at Adirondack CF Calling on Gov. Cuomo and State Legislative Leaders to Release Everyone From New Prison Nursing Home
July 6, 2020: Ray Brook, New York
The Group Called on Cuomo to Grant Clemency To Everyone at the Facility and for State Legislative Leaders to Pass Elder Parole and Fair and Timely Parole Bills in the Interest of Public Health and Racial Justice
…
July 2, 2020: Amid Calls for Racial Justice and Defunding Police, Advocates Held Press Conference Slamming Gov. Cuomo for Implementing Bail Reform Rollbacks and Increasing NY’s Incarcerated Population
July 2, 2020: New York, New York
Advocates Demanded NY State Lawmakers Address the Incarceration Crisis and Reconvene in Albany to Pass Critical Package of Criminal Justice Reforms
…
June 25, 2020: RAPP Blasts Cuomo, NYSDOCCS Plan to Create Nursing Home Behind Bars, Endangering Lives of Older Incarcerated NY’ers
June 25, 2020: New York, New York
…
June 17, 2020: Statement from Advocates: After Years of Pressure, Gov. Cuomo Grants Three Clemencies
June 17, 2020: New York, New York
…
June 9, 2020: RAPP Campaign Responds to NYS Legislature’s Passage of Bill to Repeal 50A in Wake of Murder of George Floyd
June 9, 2020: New York, New York, Jose Saldana
…
June 5, 2020: 176 Organizations Tell the NYS Legislature to Address the Devastation Visited on Black New Yorkers by State Violence of Prisons and Policing
June 5, 2020: New York, New York
…
June 2, 2020: In Wake of George Floyd Murder and Police Violence, Community Leaders Demand NY State Stand Against Racist State Violence Behind Bars
June 2, 2020: New York, New York
Speakers Called on the Legislature to Pass the HALT Solitary Confinement Act, Elder Parole, and Fair and Timely Parole, in addition to Policing Reforms to Address Systemic Racism across New York’s Criminal Legal System
Zoom link HERE –– Password: 8o^qLg.7
…
May 30, 2020: On Anniversary of First NYS Prison Death from COVID-19, NY Doctors and Medical Professionals Call on Gov. Cuomo to Grant Clemencies and Decarcerate NYS Prisons During Pandemic • Media Advisory
May 30, 2020: New York, New York
…
May 27, 2020: Hundreds of People From Across NYS Hold Virtual Advocacy Day to Demand the Legislature Pass HALT Solitary and Elder Parole Bills as Part of COVID-19 Response • Media Advisory
May 27, 2020: New York, New York
Speakers Will Demand New York End Solitary and Release People to Save Lives, End Suffering, and Stop the Spread of COVID, Highlighting New Data Showing High Rates of Suicide and Suicide Attempts in Solitary and New Data Showing People of Color Account for 81% of All NY Prison Deaths Since Outbreak of COVID
…
MAY 25, 2020: NYS Grassroots Criminal Justice Community Calls on Legislature to Oppose New COVID-19 Prison Bill That Purports to Give Cuomo Admin Power it Already Has and Effectively Continues Months of Legislative Inaction
May 25, 2020: New York, New York
Advocates Call for Legislature to Pass Elder Parole, Fair & Timely Parole, and the HALT Solitary Confinement Act to Reduce the Number of People in Prison who are Vulnerable to COVID-19, Limit the Spread of the Virus, and Help Ensure that People in Prison Get Treatment, Not Torture
…
May 21, 2020: As Legislature Plans to Reconvene, Advocates Held Virtually-Connected Rallies Outside Assembly and Senate Leaders’ Offices & Queensboro Correctional Facility Demanding New York’s COVID-19 Response Include People in Prison
May 21, 2020: New York, New York
Passing Elder Parole, Fair & Timely Parole, and the HALT Solitary
Confinement Act Will Reduce the Number of People in Prison who are
Vulnerable to COVID-19, Limit the Spread of the Virus, and Help Ensure
that People Behind Bars With Symptoms Get Treatment, Not Torture
…
May 19, 2020: As Legislature Plans to Reconvene, Advocates Demand Passage of Urgent Legislation to Help Prevent COVID Deaths and Suffering in Prison & Correct Longstanding Injustices Exacerbating the Pandemic
May 19, 2020: New York, New York
Elder Parole, Fair & Timely Parole, and the HALT Solitary Confinement Act Will Reduce the Number of People in Prison who are Vulnerable to COVID19, Limit the Spread of the Virus, and Help Ensure that People Behind Bars With Symptoms Get Treatment, Not Torture
…
May 18, 2020: Ahead of NY State Legislative Hearing on COVID-19’s Impact on Communities of Color, Black and Latinx Community Leaders Hold Virtual Press Conference to Call Out Legislative Leaders for Excluding Mass Incarceration Issues and Demand the Legislature Reconvene to Pass Urgent, Life-Saving Measures • Media Advisory
May 18, 2020: New York, New York
Speakers Highlighted New Data Showing People of Color Account for 81% of NY Prison Deaths Since Outbreak of COVID and Demand Action
Zoom recording here; Password: 5F.56%K2
…
May 14, 2020: As New Data Show People of Color Account for 81% of Prison Deaths since COVID-19 Outbreak, Advocates Demand NYS Prison Director Annucci Testify at Legislative Hearing on COVID-19 and Communities of Color
May 14, 2020: New York, New York
New Data Showing People of Color Account for 81% of NY Prison Deaths
Since Outbreak of COVID Prompts Advocates to Demand Legislature Call Acting State Prison Commissioner Anthony Annucci To Testify at
Legislative Hearing on COVID-19’s Impact on Communities of Color
As Gov. Cuomo Fails to Address Racial Disparities in COVID-19 Fatalities
Across NY State, Advocates Point to Data Showing Compounding Effect
of Systemic Racism in NY Prisons and Renew Call for Mass Clemency
…
May 13, 2020: Honoring Mother’s Day, Groups Rally at Bedford Hills CF to Demand Immediate Release of Women in NYS Prisons, Starting With Those Most Vulnerable to Death By COVID-19 • Media Advisory
May 13, 2020: New York, New York
WHO: People formerly incarcerated at Bedford Hills,VOCAL-NY, Release Aging People in Prison/RAPP Campaign, Parole Preparation Project, WESPAC, Alliance of Families for Justice, Center for Community Alternatives (in formation), New Hour for Women & Children–LI, Survived
and Punished, National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls
WHAT: Rally and virtual press conference
WHERE: Bedford Hills Correctional Facility (Bedford, NY) / ZOOM
WHEN: May 15, 2020 @ 11 AM
…
May 13, 2020: NYS Has Released Less Than One Half of One Percent of Incarcerated NY’ers; Advocates Demand Gov. Cuomo Grant Broad Clemencies
May 13, 2020: New York, New York
Advocates Demand Gov. Cuomo Grant Broad and Immediate Clemencies in Response to Figures From DOCCS That The Department Has Released Less Than One Half of 1 Percent of New Yorkers During COVID Pandemic
…
May 11, 2020: Gov. Cuomo’s Exclusionary Release Plan Effectively Sentences Some People to Death
May 11, 2020: New York, New York
Advocates Respond to Gov. Cuomo’s Exclusionary COVID-19 Prison Release Plan: Excluding People Effectively Sentences Them to Death
Today, the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, Parole Preparation
Project, #HALTsolitary Campaign, VOCAL-NY, Worth Rises and Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club released the following statement in response to a report from the New York Law Journal that Gov. Cuomo is slightly expanding his narrow COVID-19 prison release mechanism to allow the
early release of incarcerated people within 90 days of release who are convicted of non-violent crimes:
…
May 7, 2020: In Wake of More COVID-19 Deaths, Advocates Hold Two-Day Vigil Outside Fishkill CF and Burial Grounds • Media Advisory
Event on May 7, 8 2020: Fishkill Correctional Facility, New York, New York
In Wake of More New COVID Prison Deaths, Advocates Hold Two Day Vigil Outside Fishkill Correctional Facility and Prison’s Burial Grounds To Mourn Incarcerated People Lost to COVID-19 And Call for Gov. Cuomo to Grant Mass Clemencies
The Groups Will Uplift the Message: Prisons+COVID-19=Death and Call for the Immediate Release of Vulnerable New Yorkers in Prison
…
May 6, 2020: Advocates Slam Gov. Cuomo for Forcing Incarcerated People to Make Hundreds of Thousands of Protective Masks They Can’t Wear; Call on Cuomo to Grant Broad Clemency and Take Other COVID Actions
May 6, 2020: New York, New York
Advocates Slam Gov. Cuomo for Forcing Incarcerated People to Make Hundreds of Thousands of Protective Masks They Can’t Wear,
Call on Cuomo to Grant Broad Clemency and Take Other COVID Actions
Today, Worth Rises, Color of Change, the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, Parole Preparation Project, #HALTsolitary Campaign, VOCAL-NY, and Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club released the following statement in response to a report in Mother Jones that incarcerated people in New York State prisons are making hundreds of thousands of face masks – for pennies on the dollar – and are prevented by DOCCS from wearing the masks themselves to protect against contracting COVID-19:
“It is outrageous that Governor Cuomo is forcing incarcerated New Yorkers – disproportionately Black and Brown – to make hundreds of thousands of essential face masks, while simultaneously preventing those same New Yorkers from wearing the masks themselves to protect against contracting COVID-19. Adding to their callous and inhumane policy, Governor Cuomo and DOCCS are paying incarcerated New Yorkers just pennies an hour to manufacture this essential PPE in settings that are known breeding grounds for contagious disease.’
…
May 5, 2020: Coalition Holds Media Briefing on COVID-19 in NYS Prisons • Fact v. Myths on Prison Conditions and Releases
May 5, 2020: New York
Coalition Holds Media Briefing on COVID-19 in NY State Prisons
The Group Outlined What Gov. Cuomo Has and Hasn’t Done to
Protect the Lives of New Yorkers in Prison During the Pandemic and
Called for Broad Clemencies and Other COVID Related Actions
A coalition of legislators, health experts, advocates, and community leaders directly impacted by New York’s criminal legal system held a media briefing on the state of New York State prisons and releases amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Full zoom recording of the briefing here. The briefing featured Assembly Member Carmen De La Rosa (AD-72), Dr. Robert Cohen, and attorneys and advocates from the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, Parole Preparation Project, and FWD.us.
…
May 1, 2020: Over 40 NYS Elected Officials Call on Gov. Cuomo to Immediately Release New Yorkers From Prisons During COVID-19 Pandemic
May 1, 2020: New York, New York
Legislators Sent the Letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo, DOCCS Acting
Commissioner Anthony Annucci, and Parole Board Chairperson Tina Stanford Demanding Swift Action To Save Lives
46 New York State Senators and Assembly Members signed a letter calling on Governor Cuomo to immediately release New Yorkers from state prisons who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. Specifically, the letter calls for the release of people in prison who are aging and elderly, facing health concerns, parole eligible, or within a year of their release. The letter addressed to Governor Andrew Cuomo, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Anthony Annucci, and Chairwoman of the Parole Board Tina Stanford argues the only effective way to slow the deadly spread of COVID-19 is to release these people from the confines of prison.
…
April 30, 2020: Advocates Respond to First Death of an Incarcerated Woman in NYS Prison and Gov. Cuomo’s Plan to Release Some Pregnant Women
April 30, 2020: New York, New York
Today, the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, Parole Preparation
Project, #HALTsolitary Campaign, VOCAL-NY, Worth Rises, and Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club released the following statement in response to news of the first COVID19 death of an incarcerated woman and Governor Cuomo’s plans to release some pregnant woman from prison:
“The Governor’s refusal to grant any clemencies led to the first COVID death of an incarcerated woman in New York State prisons. Darlene “Lulu” Benson-Seay was effectively sentenced to death because the Governor didn’t care enough about her to protect her from this virus by releasing her.’
…
April 27, 2020: Two New Deaths in Fishkill Prison Due to Gov. Cuomo’s Disregard for the Lives of New Yorkers in Prison
April 27, 2020: New York, New York
Today, the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, Parole Preparation Project, #HALTsolitary Campaign, VOCAL-NY, Worth Rises, and Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club released the following statement in response to news that two more people at Fishkill Correctional Facility have died with COVID-19:
“Two more people at Fishkill Correctional Facility have died with COVID-19 because Governor Cuomo refuses to value the lives of incarcerated New Yorkers. It is clear that Cuomo’s prisons cannot stop COVID-19’s spread or the harm it inflicts on people behind bars. Fishkill and Sing Sing Correctional Facilities have more COVID cases than all other prisons in New York State. They also account for 7 of the 9 COVID related deaths of incarcerated people that have happened thus far. These tragedies are further proof that the only way for Cuomo to adequately respond to the presence of COVID-19 in New York State prisons is by granting broad clemencies to vulnerable incarcerated people and reducing the overall prison population.”
April 22, 2020: Governor Cuomo’s Continued Inaction Leads to 4th COVID Death at Sing Sing Prison
April 22, 2020: New York, New York
Today, the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, Parole Preparation Project, #HALTsolitary Campaign, VOCAL-NY, Worth Rises, and Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club released the following statement in response to news that the fourth incarcerated person at Sing Sing Correctional Facility has died with COVID-19:
“Because Governor Cuomo fails to take real action for New Yorkers impacted in his state prisons, the fourth incarcerated person at Sing Sing Correctional Facility has died with COVID-19. He is the 6th incarcerated person in Governor Cuomo’s state prisons to die with the virus. 3.1% of everyone incarcerated at Sing Sing has tested positive for Coronavirus. That’s two times the infection rate of New York State and the true infection
rate in the facility is likely much higher because testing is appallingly limited.’
…
April 21, 2020: Advocates Rally Statewide Calling on Gov. Cuomo to Grant Mass Clemencies to Incarcerated New Yorkers Vulnerable to COVID-19
April 21, 2020: New York
See Zoom press conference recording beginning at: 38:20:
bit.ly/April21Recording; Password: 2A&+8d=3
Advocates Hold Statewide Day of Action Outside State Prisons and
Governor’s Mansion Calling on Gov. Cuomo to Grant Mass Clemencies
to Incarcerated New Yorkers Vulnerable to COVID-19
The Groups Rallied Behind the Message: Prisons + COVID-19 = Death
and Called for the Immediate Release of Vulnerable New Yorkers in Prison
A coalition of advocates and community members hosted a coordinated statewide virtual press conference, socially distant noise demonstrations, and car caravans outside two state prisons and the Governor’s mansion to call on Governor Cuomo to grant immediate clemencies to incarcerated New Yorkers vulnerable to COVID-19. The press conference featured speakers impacted by both Otisville and Bedford Hills Correctional Facilities, which house high numbers of older and pregnant people, and others who are vulnerable to COVID-19.
…
April 18, 2020: Advocates Slam Gov. Cuomo for Plan to Release Only a Select Few Incarcerated NY’ers during COVID-19 Pandemic
April 18, 2020: New York, New York
Today, the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, Parole Preparation
Project, #HALTsolitary Campaign, VOCAL-NY, Worth Rises, and Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club released the following statement in response to Governor Cuomo’s action to release a select few incarcerated older New Yorkers within 90 days of their release:
“It is appalling that Governor Cuomo continues moving forward with his fundamentally insufficient plan to release a small and limited number of older people from state prison. Today, the Governor’s Secretary confirmed what we feared: that Cuomo’s new action will exclude 98% of older people in New York State prisons. That means many thousands of elder New Yorkers will remain at serious risk of dying behind bars from COVID-19.’
…
April 21, 2020: Advocates Hold Coordinated Statewide Day of Action at State Prisons and Governor’s Mansion Calling for Gov. Cuomo to Grant Mass Clemencies to Incarcerated New Yorkers Vulnerable to COVID-19 • Media Advisory
April 21, 2020, 1pm: Outside Bedford Hills Correctional Facility in Westchester County, Governor Cuomo’s Mansion in Albany, and Otisville Correctional Facility in the Hudson Valley
The Groups Will Uplift the Message: Prisons + COVID-19 = Death and Call for the Immediate Release of Vulnerable New Yorkers in Prison
…
April 16, 2020: “People’s Briefing” Demands Gov. Cuomo Take Immediate Steps to Address Public Health Crisis Unfolding in State’s Jails, Prisons, and Detention Centers (Media Advisory)
April 16, 2020: New York, New York
In Contrast to Governor’s Briefings, Advocates Provided Detailed Updates on the COVID-19 Crisis that Is Unfolding for New Yorkers Behind Bars
Today, the Justice Roadmap — a coalition of immigration and criminal justice advocates fighting to reverse the long history of criminalization of Black and Brown New Yorkers — held “The People’s Briefing” to report on the pandemic behind bars in New York State. They cited the glaring omission from the Governor’s daily press briefings of updates or action related to New Yorkers incarcerated in jails, prisons, juvenile detention centers, and immigration detention in the state. In addition to providing detailed reports, advocates shared urgent demands and a petition to Governor Cuomo calling for immediate action to save lives.
…
April 14, 2020: Advocates Slam Governor Cuomo for Playing God with Peoples’ Lives After He Releases a Select Few Incarcerated Older New Yorkers
April 14, 2020: New York, New York
Read Here for Cuomo’s release announcement via NY Post
Today, the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, Parole Preparation
Project, #HALTsolitary Campaign, VOCAL-NY, Worth Rises, and Jim Owles Liberal Democratic. Club released the following statement in response to Governor’s action to release a select few incarcerated older New Yorkers within 90 days of their release:
“While we are so excited for the incarcerated New Yorkers who will soon be released early, and delighted for their families who will welcome them home, we are appalled by the exclusionary nature of the Governor’s action. People aged 55 and older convicted of “non-violent” crimes who are within 90 days of release represent only a small fraction of the aging and elderly New Yorkers in prison vulnerable to COVID-19. Excluding thousands of people who are most at risk of dying and least likely to come back to prison will not promote public health or safety.’
…
April 14, 2020: Gov. Cuomo’s Inaction Leads to Death of 4th Incarcerated New Yorker
April 14, 2020: New York, New York
Today, the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, Parole Preparation
Project, #HALTsolitary Campaign, VOCAL-NY, Worth Rises, and Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club released the following statement in response to the fourth death of a New Yorker in prison with COVID-19:
…
April 14, 2020: Formerly Incarcerated & Other Advocates Rally at Queensboro CF to Demand Gov. Cuomo Free All Incarcerated New Yorkers Within One Year of Release Date • Media Advisory
April 14th, 2020, 11:30am: Rally at 47-04 Van Dam St, Long Island City, NY 11101 and online here
Formerly Incarcerated People & Advocacy Groups Call on Gov. Cuomo to Free All People Within One Year of Their Release Dates
Advocates Will Rally in Front of Queensboro Correctional Facility Where All People are Within 120 Days of Release and Are at Severe Risk for COVID-19
WHAT: Rally calling for Governor Cuomo to free all people within a year of their release date, including everyone at Queensboro Correctional Facility. This demand is part of a larger list of community demands to release New Yorkers from prison in order to save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
…
April 13, 2020: Another Incarcerated New Yorker Dies; Advocates and Community Leaders Unearth Prison Horrors, Call on Gov. Cuomo and NYS Board of Parole to Release Vulnerable People
April 13, 2020: New York, New York
In Wake of Another In-Prison Death, Advocates and Community Leaders Unearth Prison Horrors in Second Briefing on COVID-19 Crisis in New York State Prisons
Groups Continue Calls for Gov. Cuomo to Grant Emergency Clemencies and For Parole Board and State Prison System to Adopt Community Demand
The Release Aging People in Prison Campaign and Parole Preparation
Project issued the following statement in conjunction with their second briefing on COVID-19 in New York State prisons as the Coronavirus harms record numbers of incarcerated New Yorkers:
“Despite calls from public health experts, faith leaders, legal and law enforcement organizations, and elected officials at all levels of government, Governor Cuomo has yet to take any action to release New Yorkers from prison in the wake of COVID-19. Every day, the number of people in prison who test positive for the virus climbs higher. More people are dying and thousands of incarcerated older people and others with compromised immune systems are at serious risk of death by this virus if the Governor doesn’t take swift and immediate action. We call on the Governor to grant clemency now, before it’s too late.”
…
April 12, 2020: COVID-19 Claims Another Incarcerated New Yorker; Advocates Demand Gov. Cuomo Grant Clemency Before More Die • COVID-19 Briefing
April 12, 2020: New York, New York
Today, the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, Parole Preparation
Project, #HALTsolitary Campaign, VOCAL-NY, Worth Rises, and Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club released the following statement in response to the third death of a New Yorker in prison with COVID-19:
“Governor Cuomo’s lack of action is creating a COVID-19 catastrophe in New York State prisons. We are devastated and outraged that a third person with the virus has died behind bars. Data released today by the state prison system shows that 131 incarcerated people and 522 prison staff have tested positive for the virus so far. Based on reports from people in prison, we know that the real infection rate is even higher. It is just a matter of time before many of these people and countless others die behind bars with COVID-19. The Governor should embrace the Catholic values he purports to have this Easter Sunday by granting wide-ranging clemencies to New Yorkers in prison, something that democratic and republican governors in several other states have already begun to do.”
April 6, 2020: Status of the NYS Prisons and the need for Gov. Cuomo to Grant Clemency to elders and other incarcerated people vulnerable to coronavirus complications • COVID-19 Briefing
April 6, 2020: New York, New York
Groups Renew Calls for Gov. Cuomo to Grant Emergency Clemencies and for Parole Board and State Prison System to Adopt Community Demands
(New York, NY) – The Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, Parole
Preparation Project, VOCAL-NY, Worth Rises, and #HALTsolitary Campaign
issued the following statement as COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the New York State prisons:
“We are both outraged and terrified that Gov. Cuomo has yet to take any action to release New Yorkers from prison in the wake of COVID-19. The virus is spreading, conditions are worsening, and action is desperately needed. Three people with COVID-19–2 incarcerated people and 1 staff person–have already tragically died. Many thousands of other incarcerated older people and those with compromised immune systems are at increased risk of death by this virus. We call on the governor to grant clemency now before it’s too late.”
…
April 3, 2020: Press Conference outside Sing Sing CF in response to first incarcerated person’s death from COVID-19 • Demand Gov. Cuomo release all vulnerable people
April 3, 2020: Ossining, New York
In response to first incarcerated person with COVID-19 dying in NY state prison system, advocates hold press conference and vigil outside Sing Sing Prison to call on Gov. Cuomo to grant emergency clemencies. The group called on Gov. Cuomo to grant emergency clemencies to incarcerated older adults and other immune compromised people in prison.
Today, family members of incarcerated people, community leaders, and criminal justice advocates from the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, Parole Preparation Project, VOCAL-NY, and Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club gathered outside Sing Sing Correctional Facility for a press conference and vigil to call on Governor Cuomo to grant emergency clemencies to older people and others in prison with compromised immune systems who are vulnerable to COVID-19.
…
Releasing New Yorkers From Prison Is the Only Way to Save Lives in the Wake of COVID-19: Recommendations from RAPP and Parole Preparation Project
March, 2020: New York, New York
Recommendations from RAPP and Parole Preparation Project:
Introduction: While the world works to adjust and enact drastic measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among the public, a massive humanitarian crisis is unfolding inside New York state prisons. In order to effectively prevent the spread of COVID-19 behind bars, the Parole Board, Governor Cuomo, and the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) must release people from the confines and horrific conditions of these facilities. If this action isn’t taken, incarcerated New Yorkers will face a catastrophic loss of life.
March 27, 2020: Statement in response to Gov. Cuomo releasing 1,100 people convicted of parole violations
March 27, 2020: New York, New York
(NEW YORK, NY) – The Release Aging People in Prison Campaign and
Parole Preparation Project released the following statement in response to
Governor Cuomo’s announcement that he will release 1,100 people who have violated parole from prison and jail:
“Governor Cuomo is doing the right thing by bringing relief to 1,100 New
Yorkers who were convicted of violating parole. We call on the governor to
use this as the first step towards justice for far more incarcerated New
Yorkers who are vulnerable to COVID-19. Thousands of elders and other
New Yorkers with seriously compromised immune systems continue to
languish in the governor’s prison system. The governor should grant them
clemency now before it’s too late.”
March 19, 2020: NYC Mayor De Blasio announces the city has ID’d 40 people in NYC jails to be reviewed for possible release. RAPP and partners say: Inadequate
March 19, 2020: New York, New York
(NEW YORK, NY) – Criminal justice advocacy groups, including The Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, Parole Preparation Project, VOCAL-NY, #HALTsolitary Campaign and Worth Rises released the following statement in response to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announcing that he has identified 40 incarcerated people to release from the New York City jail system in the wake of COVID-19:
…
March 17, 2020: Response to news that a CO from Sing Sing (Ossining CF) tested positive for coronavirus
March 17, 2020: New York, New York
Criminal justice advocacy groups, including The Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, Parole Preparation Project, VOCAL-NY, and Worth Rises released the following statement in response to an employee at Sing Sing Correctional Facility testing positive for Coronavirus—the first official COVID-19 diagnosis in the New York State prison system:
“COVID-19 has officially entered the New York State prison system. That means thousands of incarcerated elder New Yorkers and other people in prison with vulnerable immune systems are at serious risk of contracting and dying from the virus. Governor Cuomo must act immediately by granting emergency clemencies to older adults, pregnant people, those with compromised immune systems and serious respiratory issues, and others vulnerable to contracting the virus. This is no longer a hypothetical. It is time for the governor to take swift and thorough action now, and grant life-saving clemencies.”
March 11, 2020: Conference & Statement: Health experts and advocates call for release of incarcerated people vulnerable to COVID-19
March 11, 2020. New York, NY
In Wake of Coronavirus Outbreak, Health Experts, Advocates and Elected Officials call on Gov. Cuomo to Release Incarcerated People Vulnerable to Virus
The Group Held a Press Conference to Call on Cuomo to Grant Emergency Clemencies to Older and Sick New Yorkers in Prison/
New York, NY – March 11, 2020 –Today, public health experts, elected officials, and advocacy organizations, including the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, Parole Preparation Project, VOCAL-NY, Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, and Worth Rises held a press conference on the steps of New York City Hall in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak. The group called on Governor Cuomo and the state legislature to take immediate action in support of incarcerated people and their families by granting clemencies to vulnerable people in prison, including older and sick incarcerated people.
The group also called on the legislature to take immediate action by passing Elder Parole (S.2144/A.9040) and the Fair and Timely Parole Act (S.497A/A.4346A), and to ensure that prison phone calls and visiting are accessible to people in prison and their families as the virus continues to spread. They also called for an end to prison labor exploitation and for the labor of incarcerated people to be fully compensated.
…
150 Public Health Professionals Urge Gov. Cuomo to Release Elders, Others Vulnerable to COVID-19
April 2, 2020: Released by RAPP
New York State Parole Board: Failures in Staffing and Performance
August, 2018: The Parole Preparation Project and the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign
New York Parole Board Ignores Community
Statement by RAPP, June 23, 2014