Tell Massachusetts: Don't Charge Inmates Room & Board

Tell Massachusetts: Don't Charge Inmates Room & Board

The Issue

Right now, the Massachusetts State Senate is weighing a budget that would allow county jails and state prisons to charge prisoners $5 for every day that they're incarcerated.

Released inmates could be charged after the fact if they don't have enough to cover the cost in their commissary account, meaning that their bill for time served would continue to hang over their head. If the bill makes it past the Massachusetts Senate — it already passed in the House — inmates will also be charged for prescription medications ($3) and doctor visits ($5).

Re-entry after incarceration is hard enough. Tell Massachusetts representatives that inmates should not be doubly punished for their crimes.

avatar of the starter
Brittany ShootPetition StarterI'm a freelance writer, editor, and critic. I'm one of the editors of Elevate Difference, a frequent contributor to a variety of progressive publications including Bitch and RH Reality Check, and my work has been republished by The New York Times and ZNet. My writing often focuses on gender equity, the environment, food, animal rights, and class disparities in the U.S. I'm a former writer for both the Poverty in America and Women's Rights causes.
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This petition had 367 supporters

The Issue

Right now, the Massachusetts State Senate is weighing a budget that would allow county jails and state prisons to charge prisoners $5 for every day that they're incarcerated.

Released inmates could be charged after the fact if they don't have enough to cover the cost in their commissary account, meaning that their bill for time served would continue to hang over their head. If the bill makes it past the Massachusetts Senate — it already passed in the House — inmates will also be charged for prescription medications ($3) and doctor visits ($5).

Re-entry after incarceration is hard enough. Tell Massachusetts representatives that inmates should not be doubly punished for their crimes.

avatar of the starter
Brittany ShootPetition StarterI'm a freelance writer, editor, and critic. I'm one of the editors of Elevate Difference, a frequent contributor to a variety of progressive publications including Bitch and RH Reality Check, and my work has been republished by The New York Times and ZNet. My writing often focuses on gender equity, the environment, food, animal rights, and class disparities in the U.S. I'm a former writer for both the Poverty in America and Women's Rights causes.
Media inquiries

The Decision Makers

Therese Murray
Therese Murray
Massachusetts Senate President

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Petition created on May 28, 2010