Every Mother’s Day, almost 2.7 million children have to rely on phone calls to celebrate with their incarcerated parents. This year, phone calls will be the only method of communication for millions of families since jails and prisons have dramatically reduced or completely suspended in-person visitation to limit the spread of COVID-19. For far too many families, a phone call to a jail or prison is too expensive because greedy companies like Securus and Global Tel Link continue to exploit families for their right to talk with their loved ones. The Martha Wright Prison Phone Justice Act (H.R. 6389) is named after the powerful Black mama who fought for many years to ensure that calling a loved one when you need it most would remain priceless, and right now this bill needs your help.

Please email your Representative urging them to co-sponsor The Martha Wright Prison Phone Justice Act (H.R.6389) Click here to find your local rep’s contact information and urge them to honor Mrs. Wright-Reed’s legacy.

No one should have to risk COVID-19 while incarcerated alone. The people inside American jails and prisons are still members of our communities, and for many of us, members of our families. Prison healthcare was already a humanitarian crisis before COVID19, and now, with no way to practice social distancing and limited access to hygiene products, impacted families and activists across the country are demanding the immediate release of those caged inside jails and prisons. We must ensure that the cost of a prison phone call is never a barrier to communication, whether during or after the pandemic. 

In solidarity,

Myaisha Hayes and the rest of Team #MediaJustice 

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DRAFT EMAIL TO REPRESENTATIVES

Subject Line: The Martha Wright Prison Phone Justice Act in the House (H.R. 6389) needs your support! 

Dear [Insert Representative Name] 

This Mother’s Day, 2.7 million children will have to rely on only a phone call to celebrate with their incarcerated parents. This year, phone calls are the only method of communication for millions of families since jails and prisons have dramatically reduced or completely suspended in-person visitation to limit the spread of COVID-19. For far too many families, a phone call to a jail or prison is too expensive because greedy companies like Securus and Global Tel Link continue to exploit families for their right to talk with their loved ones. 

Prison phone corporations have charged exorbitant rates and fees, exploiting millions of families with incarcerated loved ones for far too long. It is your responsibility to stand up and protect our communities, which is why I’m urging you to co-sponsor The Martha Wright Prison Phone Justice Act in the House (H.R. 6389). This bill would restore the FCC’s authority to stop prison phone corporations from charging incarcerated people and their families predatory rates and fees, something that should be free during a time when hearing your loved one’s voice is needed most. 

Sincerely,

[Insert your name & contact information]