#PrisonReform is not an abstract issue for me -- it's personal. I believe in justice and dignity for all. I believe that the solutions live in the lives of those most impacted.
That is why, I stand in solidarity with all of the inmates taking part in the national #PrisonStrike.
The disparities in the system are not new. They are not secret.
- 2.3 million people sit in US prisons and jails.
- 60% of people behind bars have never been convicted of any crime.
- Women are its fastest growing population.
This amounts to $182B in spending each year.
In MA, Black & Latino residents make up 17% of the population but account for a majority of inmates. In the #MA7, black residents are incarcerated at 6 times the rate of white residents. And low-income/minority communities account for a disproportionate # of inmates.
This week, I released the #CriminalJustice section of my #MA7 Equity Agenda. This plan will:
- End juvenile life without parole
- #EndCashBail
- End for-profit prisons
- Require automatic, independent investigations for police-involved shootings
- Protect women in custody
Changes can only be achieved w a deep understanding of the factors that lead to mass incarceration and by working in partnership with community. That is the approach I will bring to these issues in Congress.
I went to bed feeling betrayed--perhaps even enraged. I woke up, still feeling betrayed--but resolved. I still believe #AnitaHill. I still believe #ChristineBlaseyFord I still believe #survivors#women They have knocked us down, but not out. I still believe in the power of us.
Our perpetrators tried to stifle our voices too--and, WE ARE NOT GOING BACK. We will not be silenced or moved. Today, survivors will keep organizing, sharing our painful and hard truths until the very last hour, and then we'll take our fight to the ballot box.
Survivors matter and we do vote--and run for office too! We have been ignored, but not silenced #midterms A vote to support #Kavanaugh confirms more than one man, to the highest court in the land, you are also confirming #privilege#entitlement#injustice
1/4 One year ago, #HurricaneMaria devastated #PuertoRico. Despite the devastation, the spirit of Puerto Rico is stronger than ever and serves as a reminder to be resilient in our fight for a #JustRecovery.
2/4 MA is home to thousands of Puerto Ricans & loved ones displaced and affected by the disaster and I am committed to supporting those living in the MA-7 CD and advocating for a #JustRecovery process for the island. From Villa Victoria to Washington DC, I stand with #PuertoRico.
3/4 I recently had the honor of meeting with nurses from @nahnnursing. They are making a 2nd trip to bring necessary medical care, food, supplies, & hope to the island. They need volunteers, sponsors, and donations to expand their impact. Get involved: gofundme.com/NAHN-Chapter-M…
Today we honor the women and girls who lost their lives to violence. Each name represents a life that was robbed from us. #JUMPIN2PEACE#Violence#Trauma#Joy
In my 8yrs on the Council, I have convened 7 hearings on #trauma, each with a different focus. Although more work remains, I am encouraged to hear that many of the recs offered up by impacted persons & communities at our hrgs & listening sessions were integrated into new system
Data collection of phase 1 implementation indicates that 75% of clients for #trauma response and recovery efforts were #Black#AfricanAmerican#Hispanic#Latino, AND 74% of clients reported chronic exposure to a single (11%) or multiple forms of #violence (63%)
Today, I filed a resolution urging the Massachusetts State Legislature and Governor Charlie Baker to pass & sign into law the #NASTYWomenAct - a bill to scrap outdated laws banning contraception & abortion across the Commonwealth. Stay tuned at 12pm for the @BOSCityCouncil mtg!
The constant attacks on women’s rights to self-determination & safe, competent reproductive healthcare - including abortion - know no bounds. The appointment of another conservative justice to the Supreme Court threatens the critical federal protections afforded by #RoevWade.
That a deep blue state like Massachusetts still has draconian laws on the books to punish women & criminalize the right to choose is morally reprehensible & must be changed - I urge the Legislature and Governor Baker to pass the “NASTY Women” Act into law with all possible speed.
In light of Trump's pending nomination to the Supreme Court, Massachusetts must act swiftly to protect the right to choose for all those who live here. This is a fundamental human right and we must lead the nation...
...Massachusetts still has an antiquated state law on the books banning abortion that could become problematic if Roe v. Wade is overturned. We will fight to protect a woman's right to choose every step of the way...
...I urge my colleagues in the State Legislature to pass the NASTY Women Act ensuring a woman's right to choose is protected here in MA...