A thank you from Free Press

From Free Press:

Amazing news: On Thursday, the FCC voted to reduce the out-of-control cost of local, in-state and long-distance prison-phone calls — thanks in part to the actions you’ve taken.

For years, many prisoners and their families have had to pay up to $10 or more for a 15-minute phone call thanks to the predatory prices charged by companies like Securus Technologies.

The skyrocketing cost of these calls has made it difficult — sometimes impossible — for families to stay in touch with their loved ones.

Thanks to the leadership of Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, and her colleagues Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel and Chairman Tom Wheeler, the FCC moved again to ensure that predatory prison phone rates don’t prevent families from remaining connected. Yesterday’s vote builds on the reforms the agency adopted during Commissioner Clyburn’s tenure as acting chairwoman in 2013.

As always, the FCC didn’t do it alone. The work of the Campaign for Prison Phone Justice, the Center for Media Justice, the Media Action Grassroots Network, civil rights groups, public interest organizations and thousands of people elevated the voices of inmates and their families in Washington, D.C. — and made it possible for the FCC to take action.

Thank you for showing, once again, that when we collectively raise our voices we can make a difference.

Best,

Lucia, Joseph, Matt, Mary Alice and the rest of the Free Press team
freepress.net

Thank you!

And thank you to everyone who participated in correcting this greedy slimy act by Securus Technologies. This is why people hate corporations.

FCC hears about prison phone rate abuse

From Free Press:

Jazlin Mendoza is one of the 2.7 million youths with an incarcerated parent. Phone calls with her father are so pricey that it’s hard for her family to pay for even five minutes of phone time.

The predatory rates phone companies charge for calls made to and from U.S. prisons prompted our friends at MAG-Net to launch a campaign for lower rates. On Tuesday, MAG-Net delivered more than 80,000 signatures urging the FCC to move forward with its proposal to cap these rates. Free Press participated in the petition delivery along with ColorOfChange.org, the Progressive Democrats of America and the United Church of Christ Office of Communication, Inc.

This day of action also included a congressional briefing featuring powerful testimony from people on both sides of the prison divide. In a recording played during the event, Keven Reese, who’s been in prison for 11 years, talked about how hard it is for his family to keep in touch when choosing to answer his phone calls may mean sacrificing Christmas presents for their children.

FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, the agency’s strongest voice for prison-phone justice, noted that stories like these should make all of us feel “outraged.”

We want to thank you for adding your voice to the call for reform. We’ll keep you posted on how the FCC’s vote plays out.

Best,

Dana, Joseph, Candace and the rest of the Free Press team
freepress.net

P.S. We work hard every day to make sure the FCC sides with people and not big corporations. Help us continue to fight back with a monthly donation of $5. Thank you!

It is said that a program that connects prisoners to a healthy supportive family reduces the recidivism rate thus causing less of them to reoffend and return to prison. If it cuts down on the crime rate I'm for it.

Tell the FCC to lower phone costs for prison inmates

From Free Press:

We believe in the rights of all people to connect freely. But for the families of millions of incarcerated people across the country, it can be nearly impossible to make that connection.

Prison phone rates are astronomical, with the price of a 15-minute phone call soaring above $5 in some states.

Many families simply can’t afford these sky-high rates. For the 2.7 million children with an incarcerated parent, that means forgoing phone calls that could help them maintain healthy relationships. Studies show that regular contact with loved ones helps reduce recidivism. That means less crime, and stronger communities.

As early as October, the FCC will decide on new protections that could dramatically lower the price of prison phone calls, and open the doors for millions of families to connect without breaking the bank.

Urge the FCC to end unreasonable prison phone rates.

Prison phone companies are pocketing millions by charging prisoners’ families these predatory rates. And since a disproportionate number of prisoners are people of color, these rates harm marginalized communities in particular.

Many prisons also demand huge commissions from phone companies for the exclusive right to provide service. This drives rates up and up, punishing low-income families and forcing them to either miss out on calls or strain their budgets to the breaking point.

Tell the FCC to cap exorbitant rates for phone calls to prisoners’ families.

In 2013, the FCC passed the rules capping long-distance prison-phone rates. Now the agency can finish the job and establish local rate caps, eliminate fees and end prison-phone company commissions.

Tell the FCC it’s time to stand up for our most vulnerable communities and make prison phone calls affordable for families trying to stay connected.

Thanks for all that you do—

Dana, Joseph, Candace and the rest of the Free Press team
freepress.net

P.S. Help Free Press protect everyone’s right to connect and communicate with a donation of $10 (or more!) today. Thank you!