“The Many Things That Concern Me”

There are many things that concern me as a man who's been incarcerated for approximately 28 years. My main concerns involve my transition back into society and the many challenges that lie ahead. Other concerns that I have are the lack of programs throughout New York State DOCCS facilities, and the current laws that are in place that are keeping incarcerated individuals in prison for multiple decades at a time.

I am one of many who have been wrongfully convicted of a crime that I didn't commit. However, despite being in prison for so long for something that I didn't do, I am grateful for the opportunities that I've seized to become a better version of myself. I have earned an associate’s degree in science and am currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in psychology. I've recently earned the OSHA 10-hour General Industry certification; I've successfully completed quite a few therapeutic programs, as well as numerous voluntary programs and vocational programs (building maintenance and general business). I was fortunate to be in facilities that offered these opportunities because not all facilities have programs such as: Exodus, which helps prepare those that are transitioning back into society soon. Nor does every facility offer vocational programs that will help incarcerated individuals acquire a skill that can be conducive to their life journey. Our prison system needs these types of programs to be accessible in all facilities, not just a select few.

There needs to be a renewed interest in providing quality programs throughout NYS DOCCS to make the means to rehabilitation and self-improvement more accessible among the incarcerated population. This can be achieved if The New York State Congress passes the Earned Time Act, which is headed by Senator Cooney (S. 7873A) and Assemblywoman Anne Kelles (A.8462B). This bill will strengthen and expand good and merit time laws and encourage more incarcerated individuals to participate in programs that foster their personal transformation and reunite them with their families.

Another pivotal bill is The Second Look Act, sponsored by Senator Julia Salazar (S.321) and Assemblywoman Latrice Walker (A.531). This bill will allow incarcerated individuals a chance to apply for a resentencing hearing after they've served a minimum of 10 years, or half of their sentence, so judges can review and reconsider excessive sentences. The passing of these particular bills will have such a powerful and positive impact on all parties involved, including our communities who will benefit from the release of more reformed men and women. Finally, I encourage you all to support The Pillars Of Promise, as well as, The Center For Community Alternatives who sponsors three bills that will reform our prison system – The Earned Time Act, Second Look Act and Eliminate Mandatory Minimums Act. These three pivotal pieces of legislation are under CCA’s aptly titled banner - Communities Not Cages. Thank you.

Written by Steven Warren