Urge NYS Assembly members and senators to expedite and pass the Earned Time Act (House Bill A8462B/Senate Bill S7873A). 

NYS is behind other states in allowing incarcerated people to reduce their sentences through earning "good" and "merit" time by exhibiting good behavior(s) and by completing rehabilitative programs, recidivism reduction classes, and educational or vocational courses. This legislation will expand opportunities for inmates to work towards reunification with their families and loved ones by expediting their release from prison.

Mass incarceration adversely affects loved ones and particularly the children of inmates, who are often the hidden victims. While each case is unique and each child responds differently, research has established that a parent's incarceration poses several threats to a child's emotional, physical, educational, and financial well-being.

A growing number of evidence-based studies have demonstrated a link between a parent's incarceration and the perpetuation of a cycle of intergenerational criminal behavior. Further, Blacks and Latinos are disproportionately effected due to racial inequalities and overrepresentation in the criminal justice system.

Research has also proven that long sentences do not deter crime. Stanford law Professor A. Mitchell Polinsky found that rewarding good behavior of prisoners with time off of their sentences lowers costs for society without increasing crime.

The time to end mass incarceration NOW! Sign this petition to urge NYS elected representatives to make passing the Earned Time Act a top priority. Do not let precious time with children and loved ones slip away!