Press release: Why MA should have a moratorium on building prisons


Legislators Will Hear Testimony on Tuesday, July 20th

Prisoners’ Legal Services | Families for Justice as Healing | People Not Prisons

MEDIA ADVISORY

For immediate release: Contact: Carisa Cunningham

July 19, 2021

Why MA Should Have a Moratorium on Building Prisons

Legislators Will Hear Testimony on Tuesday, July 20th

The Joint Committee for State Administration and Regulatory Oversight will hear testimony on Tuesday, July 20, about S. 2030, legislation that would place a five-year moratorium on building new jails and prisons in Massachusetts.

Sponsored by Senator Jo Comerford, the bill requires that no state or public agency shall “study, plan, design, acquire, lease, search for sites, or construct new correctional facilities” for a period of 5 years. Advocates for the moratorium will testify that: 

  • Massachusetts has one of the lowest rates of incarceration in the country, yet the state spends more on jails and prisons than most other states. 
  • From 2011-2019, the state’s incarcerated population decreased by 21%, but in the same period. spending on incarceration increased by 25%. 
  • The Commonwealth spends about $1.4 billion annually operating jails and prisons and plans to spend an additional $730 million in capital funds on major jail and prison construction projects over the next 10 years.
  • A better future is possible if we invest in alternatives that address the root causes of incarceration.

Event details

Who: Joint Committee for State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Formerly incarcerated people, family members, and advocates

What: Hearing on S. 2030, to place a 5-year moratorium on building prisons

When: Tuesday, July 20, 2021; 10:30 a.m. 

Where: The hearing is virtual and can be viewed at this link.

# # #