Profits Over Prisoners?

Angelia Jefferson at a Deeper Than Water Ralley at the Statehouse on Jan. 6, 2024.. photo by Dan Atkinson. Formerly incarcerated, Angie now works for Families as Justice For Healing.

Please see & share my co-authored article (with Dan Atkinson) on BINJ/ Horizon Mass & learn more about disastrous prison health care system in Mass. WELLPATH–their contract doesn’t need to be renewed!. HERE.

Lawmakers Question Mass Parole Process. Can They Improve the System?

Please read and share my newest at BINJ. It begins: 

On Oct. 20, the Massachusetts Parole Board, under the leadership of chairperson Tina Hurley, met with state legislators from the Black and Latino Caucus, the Criminal Justice Caucus, and the Justice-Involved Women’s Task Force of the Women’s Caucus. It was the first such meeting, Sen. Jamie Eldridge said at a legislative briefing on parole bills at the State House on Oct. 31. He told BINJ the meeting with the board represented a “greater focus on parole” for legislators.

“I’ve never been so encouraged,” Sen. Liz Miranda echoed during the briefing, adding that she had “tried unsuccessfully for four years to meet with the Parole Board.” In a followup email, Miranda wrote, “Having worked on parole reform for many years, I see momentum building amongst legislators.” MORE

Second Look

Formerly incarcerated Mac Hudson, now of Prisoners’ Legal Services, speaks at a rally to end harsh sentencing at the Massachusetts State House on Sept. 20 | Image via PLS

Please see my newest article about Second Look legislation and the rallyt and ghearing that were held in Massachusetts recently here. The idea: “Massachusetts lawmakers are considering legislation that would reexamine harsh and mandatory prison sentences. The policy, which follows national trends, could have a significant impact on more than 1,800 people behind bars and their families.” Keep reading

 

 

DOES A NEW GOVERNOR SIGNAL A NEW DIRECTION FOR THE MASS PAROLE BOARD?

Please see my newest at Boston Institute for Nonprofit Journalism (BINJ) here It begins:

“On Aug. 31, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey nominated social justice advocate and social worker Sarah Coughlin to the state’s Parole Board, and stated in a press release that Coughlin shared “the administration’s commitment to making our criminal justice system more just and equitable for all.”

Coughlin is currently the director of community engagement and partnerships at Mass General Brigham, and has wide-ranging experience with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated men and women in re-entry, substance use disorder, trauma,and healing.”  MORE