CfJ Testifies at the New York State Senate Hearing on Parole Justice

December 08, 2022

"Everyone deserves a chance to be seen, heard, and understood for who they are today, and every person supporting an incarcerated loved one deserves to have real hope that their loved one will come home someday."

Screenshot of Policy and Communications Manager Melissa Tanis testifying at Senate Hearing

On Wednesday, December 7th, the New York State Senate Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction held a hearing on parole justice in New York State concerning the Elder Parole and Fair and Timely Parole bills. The Center for Justice was invited to testify at the hearing about our report on New York State's New Death Penalty and the number of people dying in New York State prisons. Our Policy and Communications Manager and co-author of the report, Melissa Tanis, gave testimony on behalf of the Center, including our initial findings as well as her personal story of losing a parent behind bars. 

My dad was denied clemency, parole, and unable to even apply for compassionate release because of the nature of his crime. This is why I believe so strongly in making sure that policy that is intended to reduce and prevent mass incarceration, long sentences, and death behind bars does not exclude anyone based on the nature of their crime. Everyone deserves a chance to be seen, heard, and understood for who they are today, and every person supporting an incarcerated loved one deserves to have real hope that their loved one will come home someday. 

Melissa Tanis, Policy and Communications Manager, Center for Justice

Watch her clip of the hearing here