POLL: MAJORITY OF AMERICANS SUPPORT CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM; BIPARTISAN SUPPORT SURGES AS COVID-19 RELIEF BILL HANGS IN THE BALANCE
Poll From Justice Action Network & #cut50 Finds That Americans Agree: Congress Must Include Key Criminal Justice Reform Priorities In Upcoming Legislation
For The First Time, Voters Say Support of Criminal Justice Reform Will Play A Role At The Ballot Box
(Washington, DC) – Justice Action Network and #cut50 released a new poll from Beacon Research and Shaw & Company Research revealing overwhelming bipartisan support for federal criminal justice reform measures currently being considered for inclusion in the upcoming COVID-19 relief package. The groups were joined by Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), a sponsor of bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation, in a press call earlier this morning to discuss the results and efforts on the Hill to push for critical reforms.
As Congress continues negotiations, the message from voters is clear: no bill will be complete without key criminal justice measures that will safely reduce incarceration to stop the spread of COVID-19, provide critical relief for local justice systems fighting the pandemic in their backyards, and allow people with criminal records to access relief programs. And no session will be complete without addressing compassionate release for the elderly; and providing critical care and protection to incarcerated pregnant women.
The poll revealed that voters across the board agree the Small Business Administration (SBA) must reverse a controversial policy that prohibits small business owners with criminal records from accessing the CARE Act’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – critical to economic recovery.
Voters all across the political spectrum support each of these measures, showing why Congressional leadership should prioritize these crucial bills during negotiations on this latest COVID-19 relief package.
Covid-19-Related Criminal Justice Reforms
Two-thirds (66%) of voters approve of moving people convicted of non-violent offenses out of prison and into alternative programs. Similarly, 69% approve of moving prisoners over age 60 who pose no threat to public safety into home detention.
Six-in-ten Republicans (59%) favor moving older prisoners into home detention, as do 65% of independents and 78% of Democrats. In the same vein, the idea has the backing of 60% of Trump supporters and 79% of Biden supporters.
At the same time, six-in-ten voters (again, with bipartisan majorities) believe business owners with criminal records should not be prohibited from receiving Payroll Protection Program loans or other federal stimulus money.
“These polling results are great news, but not a surprise,” said Representative Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA). “During my time as a district court judge in Pennsylvania, I saw firsthand the public safety benefit of ensuring that people receive necessary treatment for mental health and substance abuse issues, rather than simply being thrown behind bars. And our economic recovery demands that we do more to ensure that people who have made mistakes, but have turned their lives around, can find work and support their families. Bipartisan criminal justice reforms must be prioritized in this next relief package, and I’m proud to sponsor criminal justice reforms like the Clean Slate Act and Pregnant Women in Custody Act alongside Representative Lisa Blunt-Rochester (D-DE) and Chairwoman Karen Bass (D-CA). It is incredibly important that Congress take up these issues to reduce recidivism rates, get people back, and save lives. I look forward to continuing to put partisanship aside and work in the best interests of the American people, and I’m gratified to see that the vast majority of voters are with us on these issues.”
Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), who, along with Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), James Lankford (R-OK), and Cory Booker (D-NJ), introduced the Paycheck Protection Program Second Chance Act, weighed in after the poll’s release:
“I have consistently said that the federal government should not prevent emergency loans from being distributed to businesses owned by individuals with criminal records during this pandemic. This survey shows that a majority of Americans agree,” said Senator Rob Portman (R-OH). “We should celebrate folks who have done exactly what society asked of them: they turned away from crime, started a business to support themselves and their families, and contributed to their communities. An estimated one in three American adults has a criminal record; and because people with records often have trouble finding employment, many of them have gone on to start their own businesses after they have returned to their community. I will continue to urge passage of my bipartisan legislation to ensure that these business owners are eligible to take part in the Paycheck Protection Program.”
“Public health and public safety don’t have a political party, and that’s exactly why a majority of Americans from the left, right and center support these reforms. They understand that addressing the COVID-19 crisis in our justice system is a matter of life-and-death for thousands of incarcerated people, corrections staff, their families, and their surrounding communities,” said Holly Harris, Executive Director of Justice Action Network. “With COVID-19 surging in our nation’s prisons and jails, public safety agencies struggling to maintain critical services, and small businesses facing a worsening economic crisis, it is time for Congress to act. They have the bipartisan legislation in front of them, and they have the support of the American people. Now they must put partisanship aside and work together to protect the health and safety of all Americans.”
“This poll shows that policing reforms are not political – they are personal, and America wants to see change. As a formerly incarcerated person, I know firsthand how important these reforms are,” said Louis Reed, National Organizer for Dream Corps and #cut50. “It’s been seventy days since George Floyd was killed, and people have risked their lives to protest a system that allowed his lynching to occur. Sixty percent of voters want candidates to lead on criminal justice reform and would vote out candidates who do not support it. All of America is watching and waiting for Congress to take action.”
“An overwhelming majority of Americans across every conceivable divide want to see policing and criminal justice reform, making these rare areas of bipartisan agreement between Republican and Democratic voters,” said Daron Shaw, of Shaw & Company Research. “Voters want action on criminal justice reform, and they are prepared to reward politicians who champion criminal justice reform and reject those who stand in the way.”
Poll Results Available Here: https://bit.ly/2PjFTNf