JUSTICE ACTION NETWORK APPLAUDS PRESIDENT-ELECT BIDEN FOR INCLUSION OF COVID-19 RELIEF FUNDS TO PROTECT INCARCERATED PEOPLE, CORRECTIONS STAFF

Proposal Includes Funding for Testing, Vaccination, Reentry Support

(Washington, D.C.) -- The Justice Action Network, the largest bipartisan organization focused on criminal justice reform legislation at the state and federal levels, applauds President-elect Joe Biden for prioritizing the health and safety of incarcerated people and corrections employees in his proposed COVID-19 rescue package. The proposal includes funding for COVID-19 mitigation strategies and testing and vaccination for both incarcerated people and corrections staff. It also provides funding for safe re-entry programs for returning citizens.

“For almost a year, this virus has burned through our prisons and jails, threatening the lives of those who worked or lived in them, their families, and their surrounding communities,” said Justice Action Network Communications Director Carrie Glenn. “Everyone touched by our justice system asked the federal government for the resources they needed to prevent and contain outbreaks. But despite their best efforts, and legislative champions from both parties, relief never came. We are pleased that President-elect Biden heeded those calls, and we are hopeful that members of Congress from both sides of the aisle will come together to approve this funding right away.”

“We also encourage the Biden administration to sign onto bipartisan legislation to address the ongoing crisis, including the COVID-19 Safer Detention Act and the Paycheck Protection Program Second Chance Act. These bills have bipartisan support in both chambers and would immediately help those who are vulnerable to the virus inside prison, as well as those who are struggling through the economic downturn outside of prison.” 

The Biden proposal follows recommendations from Justice Action Network’s Emergency Justice System Task Force, assembled last spring. The task force included prosecutors, law enforcement, public defenders, corrections officials, judges, and elected officials from 15 states. Their report and full recommendations are available HERE.