Bay State News

Governor Maura Healey has signed a bill making Massachusetts the fifth state to provide free prison phone calls statewide, and the first to include county jails in this provision. This initiative, championed by Massachusetts Senator Cynthia Creem, aims to alleviate financial burdens on families of incarcerated individuals. The new law will take effect on December 1st.

William "7even" Ragland from the African American Coalition Committee highlighted the financial strain faced by families due to high communication costs with incarcerated loved ones. He noted that "Black and brown people spend the most on phone calls," emphasizing the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities.

Jarelis Fonseca, a member of the No Cost Calls Coalition, expressed relief over the change, acknowledging its significance for financially burdened families. She thanked Governor Healey and other leaders for prioritizing family needs over profit.

Joanna Levesque shared her gratitude for the financial relief this legislation provides, which will help maintain essential family connections. Nia Reid-Patterson echoed these sentiments, recognizing legislators like Rep. Chynah Tyler and Sen. Liz Miranda for their support.

Marlene Pollock from the Coalition for Social Justice Education Fund commended the end of telecom exploitation of poor families. Michael Collins from Color Of Change praised Massachusetts for setting a national standard in human rights for incarcerated individuals.

Dev Chatterjee of Common Cause Massachusetts celebrated the measure's passage as a victory for community engagement and informed voting among incarcerated individuals. Pauline Quirion from GBLS acknowledged it as a step toward more successful re-entry after incarceration.

June Rowe and Rachel Roth from Mystic Valley Action for Reproductive Justice emphasized that free communication addresses racial, economic, and gender injustices within incarceration systems. Caroline Cohn from the National Consumer Law Center lauded Massachusetts' decision to ease financial burdens on vulnerable families.

Bridget Kearney of Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts highlighted how eliminating barriers to connection can reduce trauma for both incarcerated individuals and their families. Jonathan Cohn from Progressive Massachusetts described it as a win for justice in the commonwealth.

Bonnie Tenneriello from Prisoners’ Legal Services expressed commitment to ensuring effective implementation of this legislation. Tali Smookler from Unitarian Universalist Mass Action recognized its alignment with principles of dignity and worth.

Bianca Tylek from Worth Rises noted that Massachusetts joins other states in making communication free for incarcerated people, applauding advocates' efforts in achieving this milestone.