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.

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?

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.

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.

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

References

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

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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