• Massachusetts taxpayers are expected to build 10,000 new prison units by 2023, costing $2 billion, unless dramatic reforms are made; • Reforms in other states have led to greater public safety while actually closing prisons (e.g. New York, Texas); • Reducing long-term unemployment also improves public safety state-wide; WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, CALL UPON OUR LEGISLATORS AND GOVERNOR TO: 1) Enact criminal justice reforms that have been proven to work in other states, including: reducing barriers to employment; diversion to treatment; ending mandatory minimum drug sentences; and improving access to education. 2) Halt the construction of new prison units until these reforms can take effect. 3) Re-direct the $2 billion savings into a jobs program targeting communities with high rates of poverty and crime, further improving public safety for everyone.

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