#PrisonReform is not an abstract issue for me -- it's personal. I believe in justice and dignity for all. I believe that the solutions live in the lives of those most impacted.

That is why, I stand in solidarity with all of the inmates taking part in the national #PrisonStrike.

The disparities in the system are not new. They are not secret.

- 2.3 million people sit in US prisons and jails.
- 60% of people behind bars have never been convicted of any crime.
- Women are its fastest growing population.

This amounts to $182B in spending each year.

In MA, Black & Latino residents make up 17% of the population but account for a majority of inmates. In the #MA7, black residents are incarcerated at 6 times the rate of white residents. And low-income/minority communities account for a disproportionate # of inmates.

This week, I released the #CriminalJustice section of my #MA7 Equity Agenda. This plan will:

- End juvenile life without parole
- #EndCashBail
- End for-profit prisons
- Require automatic, independent investigations for police-involved shootings
- Protect women in custody

Changes can only be achieved w a deep understanding of the factors that lead to mass incarceration and by working in partnership with community. That is the approach I will bring to these issues in Congress.

Check out the full plan here ⬇️
ayannapressley.com/issues/equity-…