July 6, 2007
FIGHT FOR PRISONERS' RIGHTS!
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Spitzer has the power to help current and former inmates |
According to our friends at the Legal Action Center and the National HIRE Network , it's time to convince Governor Spitzer to sign a few key reentry bills that passed both houses of the legislature this session.
Your call makes a difference—opponents are calling, and so should we.
Here's a list of the bills and their subjects: take a look and then take action!
Call the Governor in New York City at 212-681-4580 or in Albany at 518-474-8390 with a simple message:
My name is _______, my zip code is _________, and I urge Governor Spitzer to sign six important bills that will help prisoners before and after their release:
- S1602/A03208
- S3092/A03379
- S5875/A8356
- S705-B/A3397-B
- S820/A1531
- S6228/A3286
And you could send a follow-up email to gmartin@lac.org to let the Legal Action Center know you're rocking the phones!
ANTI-DISCRIMINATION
S1602/A03208: Extends protection from criminal-record-based discrimination to current employees and licensees, rather than just applicants.
S3092/A03379: Protects against unlawful discriminatory employer practices concerning youthful offenders and persons convicted of violations.
S820/A1531: Allows for applicants for license to Barber or Practice Cosmetology with criminal records not to be automatically disqualified by the Secretary of State when evaluating the applicant under the term "good moral value."
PRISON HEALTH CARE
S5875/A.8356: Allows person who is in a state or local correctional facility and eligible to receive medical assistance to remain eligible while admitted to the facility.
PHONE SERVICE YOU CAN USE AND AFFORD
S.705-B/A.3397-B: The "Family Connections" bill—treats prison telephone service as a right, not as a revenue generator.
RIGHTS OF IMMIGRANT INMATES
S.6228/A.3286: A technical fix to the statute that authorizes the Board of Parole to grant discretionary early release to certain non-citizen inmates who are subject to a final order of deportation.