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John, 

Have you seen the editorial The Washington Post published last month?^1

The editorial board applauded California for becoming the second state to
make all phone calls from prisons free and urged Congress to
“expeditiously” pass the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable
Communications Act. The Washington Post is correct, John —
Congress must pass this crucial legislation by the end of the year.

This legislation would give the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
more authority to regulate how much prisons and jails can charge
incarcerated people and their families for phone calls. And members of
Congress on the House Energy and Commerce Committee have a chance to move
this bill forward.

[ [link removed] ]John, midterm elections are next week and most members of
Congress are in their districts campaigning. But we will keep the pressure
on even if they are away from D.C. Can we count on you to call a
representative today at their district office and tell them to pass the
Martha Wright-Reed Act?

[ [link removed] ]CALL CONGRESS TO KEEP FAMILIES CONNECTED

We have sent letters to these congressional representatives, had multiple
meetings with congressional staff and will keep fighting on behalf of
Black families who are being targeted by the predatory prison telecom
system. 

Here’s why we’re all-in for prison phone justice: Predatory prison telecom
companies such as Securus (owned by Aventiv Technologies) and ViaPath
Technologies (formerly GTL) make billions of dollars each year by preying
on incarcerated people and their loved ones. These companies charge
unfathomable rates for phone calls to and from prison — up to $1 a minute.

John, we need Congress to act and pass this legislation before
the end of the year. Incarcerated people and their loved ones deserve to
stay connected, period. The Martha Wright-Reed Act can help make that
possible.

[ [link removed] ]John, click here to call these members of Congress today.
Passing the Martha Wright-Reed Act means more Black people will be able to
stay connected with their support systems and communities, and fewer
families will be taken advantage of by predatory telecom corporations.

[ [link removed] ]FIGHT FOR PHONE JUSTICE

We CAN pass the Martha Wright-Reed Act and change lives across the
country. With your help, we will continue to demand that Congress passes
this bill.

Thank you for fighting to keep families connected. 

Until Justice Is Real,

Sakira Cook, Co-Interim Vice President

Color Of Change

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References

1. [ [link removed] ]California made prison phone calls free. Others should follow. The
Washington Post, 17 October 2022.


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[ [link removed] ]Color Of Change is building a movement to elevate the voices of Black
folks and our allies, and win real social and political change. Please
help keep our movement strong.

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