Statement From Erin L. George, #FREEnewyork Campaign Coordinator, On Criminal Justice Reform Proposals In Governor’s State of the State Address

“Today, Governor Andrew Cuomo expressed his commitment to enacting substantial, statewide criminal justice reforms in the areas of bail, speedy trial, and discovery. We are pleased to see the  Governor responding to the call of directly impacted New Yorkers who have suffered from these broken systems for far too long. However, impacted communities know from their lived experience that while identifying the need for solutions is a good start, today’s proposals cannot be where we end.

“Partnering with over 100 organizations across more than 20 counties in New York State, the #FREEnewyork campaign will continue to push for bold reform that will deliver the clearly defined outcomes New Yorkers need and demand: a fairer, more humane justice system that ends cash bail, creates an expedited and thorough discovery process, and protects the speedy trial and Due Process rights of the people involved in our criminal justice system.

“We thank our partners, allies, and the thousands of directly impacted people whose relentless advocacy spurred Governor Cuomo to speak up and help New York keep pace with other states across the country. And since Democrats and Republicans alike have a moral and financial interest in strengthening these proposals, we look forward to working with elected officials in Albany to enact legislation will help us finally #CLOSErikers and #FREEnewyork.”

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