Dear John,
All Washingtonians deserve safety. But safety isn’t incompatible with second chances.
I should know. I received a second chance under the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act after serving two decades of a 35-year-to-life prison sentence. Today, in addition to my work fighting for second chances for others like me, I make our community stronger by protecting youth with the Safe Passage Project and mentoring young people. Second chance recipients like me are building a safer and stronger DC, but a new piece of legislation threatens second chances and sentencing justice in the District.
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Less than a year ago, the D.C. Council was prepared to make the District a national sentencing reform leader. After hearing years of feedback and testimony from community members and experts, the Council voted twice to abolish almost all mandatory minimums and create universal opportunities for second chances with the Revised Criminal Code Act. Unfortunately, that reform, which enjoyed broad support from Washingtonians, was blocked by Congress, in one of many attacks on the autonomy of the District.
Now the Council is reversing course and considering expanding mandatory minimums, weakening the District’s second chance law, and expanding youth detention, among other concerning provisions. The Council is even considering passing some provisions this Tuesday in a new piece of emergency legislation introduced by Council Member Pinto. You can help. Tell the Council to oppose Mayor Bowser’s regressive crime bill and Council Member Pinto’s Prioritizing Public Safety Emergency Amendment Act. Time is of the essence. Urge your representative to oppose these bill by using our form to send them a message. Click here to protect second chances and fight for safety. Your voice matters. |
