There’s no doubt that Albany is undergoing a transformation.
Voters across the state turned out in record numbers to elect Democratic and Working Families champions to the Legislature last year, winning super-majorities in both houses. And this April, the results were made clear: New York passed a budget that provides historic funding to our public school students, tenants, immigrants and Black and brown communities. We legalized cannabis for adults with provisions to ensure the benefits are shared by the communities directly impacted by the drug war. And we finally passed the HALT Solitary Confinement Act to restrict the use of “the box” in prisons and replace it with safe, humane alternatives. Electing progressive leaders is helping to deliver a future for New York rooted in equity and justice.
Sochie Nnaemeka and TeAna Taylor
Special to the USA TODAY Network
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There’s no doubt that Albany is undergoing a transformation. Voters across the state turned out in record numbers to elect Democratic and Working Families champions to the Legislature last year, winning supermajorities in both houses. And this April, the results were made clear: New York passed a budget that provides historic funding to our public school students, tenants, immigrants and Black and brown communities. We legalized cannabis for adults with provisions to ensure the benefits are shared by the communities directly impacted by the drug war. And we finally passed the HALT Solitary Confinement Act to restrict the use of “the box” in prisons and replace it with safe, humane alternatives. Electing progressive leaders is helping to deliver a future for New York rooted in equity and justice.
PUBLISHED 9:00 PM ET Apr. 22, 2021 PUBLISHED 9:00 PM EDT Apr. 22, 2021
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Parole reform is gaining steam in New York.
On Wednesday, a bill cleared the state Legislature that will restore the voting rights of people out on parole, and this could be just the beginning.
According to advocates, the parole system now is disproportionately affecting people of color who make up about 70% of those under community supervision.
“The parole system as it exists right now prolongs the incarceration of survivors of violence, the majority of who are Black and Latinx survivors,” said state Senator Julia Salazar.
This bill has drawn criticism, however, for its broadness.
Parole Reform Is the New Focus in the NYS Legislature ny1.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from ny1.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
In wake of Chauvin verdict, advocates press for racial equity
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Exterior of the New York State Capitol on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 in Albany, N.Y. A three-way deal was reached between the Senate, Assembly and governor on how to spend $212 billion of public money for next year. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)Lori Van Buren/Albany Times Union
ALBANY In the wake of the guilty verdict in the trial of ex-Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin, criminal justice reform advocates are pressuring the Legislature to pass racial equity legislation, including measures to reform parole, extend voting rights to those with felony convictions and expunge certain criminal records.