Over 100 formerly incarcerated New Yorkers advocated for the Elder Parole and Fair and Timely Parole bills in Albany, New York on Wednesday, Jacob Kaye reports for Queens Daily Eagle. If passed, the legislation would create a more holistic view of a person’s growth while in prison, and potentially increase the number of people considered for release by the State Board of Parole.
Advocates argue that passing these bills would benefit not just racial justice and elderly justice issues, but public safety as well: many elderly prisoners have mentored younger inmates during their time in prison. The estimated savings to New York State should this become law is $522 million per year.