Dear friends,

Happy Fourth of July! Today we celebrate our independence as a country — and our freedom as individuals.

As you know, too many people are not free today. They are locked up in prisons and jails across the country. Many have been given punishments that far exceed their crimes, and some are at risk because of COVID-19.

But today, I am optimistic. I am thinking of the thousands who have regained their freedom recently. We are making real progress in reversing the country’s addiction to prison:

• Over the past seven years, the federal prison population has dropped by 56,000 people, a 25 percent reduction;
• Many states, like Pennsylvania, are turning their backs on harsh mandatory sentencing laws and seeing their prison populations fall to record low levels; and
• More people seeking elected office — from the district attorney level to the presidency — are running on platforms that include criminal justice reform.

These days, especially, it can be easy to miss the good news around our issue because our country is facing serious challenges. But news like this needs to be celebrated and shared: It shows that our ideas are working. We are moving in the right direction — and now it's time to move faster.

Freedom is worth fighting for. And, thanks to our efforts, thousands are free today and spending this holiday, at home, with their family and friends.

On behalf of everyone at FAMM, Happy Independence Day!

Sincerely,

Kevin Ring
President, FAMM