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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Joseph Rendeiro
jrendeiro@nclr.org
(202) 776-1566
NCLR (National Council of La Raza) expressed appreciation today for the FCC’s (Federal Communications Commission) proposed action to provide relief for millions of families by helping them maintain contact with family members in prison. The FCC voted 2–1 at a meeting last Friday on a plan to cap prison phone charges at fairer and more affordable rates.
“This long-awaited FCC action is fair, balanced and an important first step in righting an egregious wrong—the unconscionably high phone rates many families pay to stay in touch with their loved ones in prison. These rates—which often exceed the cost of international calls—are not economically justifiable as the cost of doing business or, more importantly, morally justifiable given the undue financial burden they put on some of the most vulnerable families in our nation,” said Jennifer Ng'andu, Director of Health and Civil Rights Policy Projects, NCLR.
“This proposal not only provides a measure of justice for these families, but is also in the best interests of our country. Studies show that maintaining strong ties to family and community is a major factor in both a successful rehabilitation process and reducing recidivism,” continued Ng'andu.
“We are very proud to have been part of a coalition of civil rights and media organizations that for the past several years has brought together individuals and groups from across the ideological spectrum to urge the FCC to act on a petition that has languished for more than a decade. We are especially grateful to Acting FCC Chair Mignon Clyburn, as this action would likely not have been possible without her leadership or without the support of Commissioner Rosenworcel.”
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