Dear Supporters,

Important legislation is being proposed in Massachusetts this year to end life sentences and make parole eligibility a right for all who have served time for 25 years or more in Massachusetts prisons. A recent event at Harvard University's Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice raised the issue while highlighting facts (1 in 4, i.e. 25% of Massachusetts prisoners are serving life without parole sentences), and the direct impact of long-term-, life- and life without parole-eligibility sentences on human beings in prison and their loved ones in the community. The 1 hour 36 minute video can be viewed on the CHHIRJ website at:

https://charleshamiltonhouston.org/events/marc-mauer-meaning-life/ 

The legislation is being proposed both in the Massachusetts House by Rep. Jay Livingstone of Boston (H.3358) and in the Massachusetts Senate by Sen. Joseph A. Boncore (S.826)—and would allow the possibility of parole for all who have served 25 years or more.

If you are living in Massachusetts, it's important to share this information with your contacts and let your legislators know about these bills. Visit the links in this update, then contact your state legislators and urge them to support the passage of these bills. 

Additional insight and information appears in an article written by journalist Jean Trounstine, entitled "The Fight for Life In Massachusetts". It can be accessed at:

https://digboston.com/special-feature-the-fight-for-life-in-massachusetts/

Much appreciation for your continued support!

One Love,

Mary King