My name is Kayla Black  and I am writing this petition not just as an individual, but as a mother and partner who has been directly affected by the exorbitant costs of communication with a loved one who is currently incarcerated in West Virginia. For six years, my family has endured not just the separation from a father and partner, but also the financial strain caused by paid communication services. Having spent hundreds of dollars on essential items like food and hygiene products, as well as on phone calls and visits, it feels as though my children and I have been subjected to an unfair punishment for a crime we didn't commit.

The cost of living in West Virginia is already high, and with our economy being what it is, these additional financial burdens are unbearable for most families. During the pandemic, a time when communication with loved ones became a lifeline for many, we were given only one free five-minute video and one five-minute call. Our service provider, Global Tel Link (GTL), is a multi-million dollar company and recently even paid a settlement for overcharging us. Yet, daily communication remains a financial strain.

In other states across the nation, families are relieved of these financial pressures as calls from inmates are free. It's time that West Virginia joins these states in offering free communication services to families with incarcerated loved ones. Not only does this lessen the emotional toll on families like mine, but it also fosters better reintegration and positive outcomes for inmates once they are released.

By making inmate calls free, West Virginia will take a significant step toward fair and compassionate policies that support families and help reduce recidivism. I urge the West Virginia Department of Corrections and the state government to act now and relieve families from the financial and emotional burdens they currently face.

Please sign this petition to make inmate calls free in West Virginia and bring relief to countless families.