Friends -

As you may know, our country's cash bail system places unfair financial burdens on individuals and their loved ones, perpetuating cycles of debt and incarceration. Yet today we are one step closer to ending money bail. I'm extremely encouraged by recent news that Governor Cuomo included the elimination of cash bail for misdemeanors and nonviolent offenses in his newest budget deal, following an op-ed I wrote with Senator Gianaris pushing for bold change in New York State.

This consequential legislation will ensure that 90% of people charged in New York will not face pretrial detention, which will dramatically reduce jail populations and racial disparities across the state. Working with Governor Cuomo and leaders of the NY State Legislature, on-the-ground coalitions like #FREEnewyork are paving a way forward on bail reform.

And New York is not alone. Other state and local leaders, such as Philadelphia's District Attorney Larry Krasner and Atlanta's Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, to name a few, are also advocating for reforms that include alternatives to cash bail and a reimagining of our criminal justice system. Change can occur at the city and state level when we elect progressive leaders, hold them accountable, and encourage them to change criminal justice policies to make a positive impact on all communities.

Learn more about recent successes in New York State concerning bold bail reform.