Press Release

Contact:
Rabiah Burks, 202-822-6700
rburks@famm.org

FAMM to release report, host panel on second chances in Pennsylvania

“Time for Justice: The Urgent Need for Second Chances in Pennsylvania’s Sentencing System” highlights high costs and low value of Pennsylvania’s long prison sentences

HARRISBURG – As part of FAMM’s ongoing efforts to support second chances in Pennsylvania, it will be releasing a report on the need for second chances in sentencing on Tuesday, November 16 and hosting a panel in support of that report on Thursday, November 18.

“We’ve been saying for a long time that supporting second chances would have a huge impact in the Commonwealth, both in terms of reconnecting families and in saving significant tax dollars,” said Maria Goellner, FAMM’s Pennsylvania State Policy Director. “This report proves what we’ve been saying — extreme sentencing has been a high-cost, low-value proposition for Pennsylvania and hasn’t made us safer. It’s time for second chances.”

FAMM’s report “Time for Justice: The Urgent Need for Second Chances in Pennsylvania’s Sentencing System” will be available on Tuesday, Nov. 16 on FAMM’s website.

The panel, “What’s Next for Second Chances in Pennsylvania,” will be held Thursday, November 18 from 6-7 p.m. ET. Register here. The panel will also air on FAMM’s Facebook page on Sunday, Nov. 21.

In addition to the report and its findings, panelists will discuss the state of ‘life without parole’ sentencing, medical/elderly release, and clemency in Pennsylvania; recommendations for lawmakers, advocates, and the public; and the work each organization is doing around these topics.

The panel will be moderated by FAMM and feature speakers including: Maria Goellner; Greg Glod, Criminal Justice Reform Fellow Americans for Prosperity; Kris Henderson, Executive Director Amistad Law Project; Roxanne Horrell, Campaign Director Straight Ahead; and Christina Reyes, advocate and dual victim.

For nearly three decades, FAMM has united the voices of affected families, the formerly incarcerated, and a range of stakeholders and advocates to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. FAMM’s focus on ending a one-size-fits-all punishment structure has led to reforms to sentencing and prison policies at the state and federal level and is paving the way to programs that support rehabilitation for the 94% of all prisoners who will return to our neighborhoods one day.

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FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safeguard taxpayer dollars and keep our communities safe. Founded in 1991, FAMM is helping transform America’s criminal justice system by uniting the voices of impacted families and individuals and elevating the issues all across the country.