Coalition Building: FreeAbdus Power Hour Every Friday 11am email for Zoom Link
Dear #FreeAbdus Family and Coalition Partners,
I had an encouraging conversation with Senator Gary Winfield about our proposed Wrongful Conviction Relief Act. I left feeling hopeful, with a clearer understanding of the work ahead.
Senator Winfield explained that in odd-numbered legislative years, they receive approximately 600–1,000 requests, with only about 40–80 moving forward through the process. He also shared that getting a proposal passed can take three to seven years. These were reminders that lasting change takes preparation, relationships, and persistence.
Senator Winfield said he will introduce our bill. As the incoming majority leader he is set to help champion it on the chamber floor once it clears committee. That gives us a path forward, but passage is not guaranteed.
Our next major task is securing 12–15 legislative sponsors. Our diverse coalition is essential to that effort. Each of us brings relationships, experiences, and reasons this legislation matters.
Please reach out to your state senator and representative and request a meeting. Find a shared concern—family stability, public safety, responsible spending, fairness, or confidence in our courts—and explain why this proposal matters to you. Use key points from Ismail’s case to show the human consequences when credible evidence does not receive meaningful consideration. Spokesperson Kat, or cofounder Aneesa or Sister Elaine can join you on your meeting.
Our outreach should include Representative Steve Stafstrom and Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox as potential Judiciary Committee sponsors. We will invite them to coalition meetings. We also discussed connecting with Representative Derell Wilson and the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus to build relationships around shared justice priorities.
We want real, lasting change. That means creating dialogue, learning the process, and developing a thoughtful proposal that addresses the problem. Families deserve more than a rushed, temporary fix.
As we continue recruiting supporters, we will move into a shared learning phase: reviewing Ismail’s case, understanding the proposed legislation, practicing our talking points, and preparing for productive meetings with lawmakers.
Can you join us every other Friday for #FreeAbdus Power Hour, from 11 AM to noon? If that time does not work, please reply with other days and times you would be available for coalition meetings. We want to make participation possible for as many people as we can.
For now, please:
Keep sharing the petition.
Invite others to join our coalition.
Connecticut Supporters:
Request a meeting with your state senator and representative.
Share your availability and any legislative connections you can help us build.
Email us if you have any questions: info@kingbishopsentertainment.com
Thank you for your continued support, your time, and your commitment to Ismail and the families affected by wrongful convictions. Every conversation helps us move this work forward.
Thanks for being part of this!
#FreeAbdus Campaign