Add your name to our petition: Demand that Governor Cuomo remove all cash bail demands from his budget during a public health crisis.

John,

A few weeks ago we told you about Angel Garcia, a New Yorker who spent 15 days in jail at Rikers Island because his family could not afford his $20,000 bail. His crime was stealing bikes to put food on the table for his family.

Angel’s story is like that of so many New Yorkers who are desperate to raise themselves and their families out of poverty. And now, in the midst of a public health crisis, Governor Andrew Cuomo wants to roll back bail reform measures recently passed in New York to start jailing more people again.

We cannot stand by as the Governor attempts to criminalize poverty during a pandemic. Tell Governor Cuomo to remove all cash bail demands from his budget.

Take Action

If Angel were in jail right now, he would be forced into close quarters with hundreds of other inmates who have the potential to carry and spread the COVID-19 virus. Currently, 84 people have tested positive for COVID-19 at Rikers.

As the CDC and other world health organizations tell us we need to social distance, Andrew Cuomo is trying to punish poor people by forcing them into confined jail cells.

Sign our petition demanding that Governor Cuomo ensure the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers and stop jailing people for non-violent and misdemeanor offenses.

During this time of crisis, our government leaders should not be trying to take advantage of the poor.

Sign the petition

Thank you for taking action.

Team Real Justice