Advocates Press for Free Prison Calls in N.Y. Budget

New York could soon become the sixth state to make prison calls free, advocate Worth Rises said in a news release Thursday. Advocates are pressing for a proposed policy and a $9.9 million appropriation to remain in the final budget that’s expected in days, Worth Rises said. “Making prison phone calls free is not only critical for true rehabilitation but strengthening the support systems that make successful reentry possible,” said Sen. Jamaal Bailey (D), who sponsored a bill (SB-1942) that would make calls free. Worth Rises Executive Director Bianca Tylek urged action. “For too long New York has been dragging its feet on this policy, driving some of the most impoverished women and families further into financial instability,” she said. “Five other states have bypassed New York at this point and already passed legislation to make prison communication free.” California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Minnesota previously made prison calls free. Maryland was weighing the policy this year (see 2403070044), but the bill is now dead, said a Worth Rises spokesperson.