Time is running out to register for Lobby Day 2020 and we want to make sure that EVERYONE who wants to attend is registered. Please take a moment to read the information below regarding dates, times, agenda and location. If you have not registered, please do so today!!! If you are registered, “THANK YOU!”
WHO SHOULD ATTEND LOBBY DAY? Anyone and everyone who has an incarcerated loved one or who has ever been incarcerated should attend Lobby Day at the Florida State Capitol, 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32399, on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 from 8am to 2pm. Your attendance speaks on behalf of those still serving long sentences for offenses that do not warrant such harsh sentencing. Your attendance attests to the fact that you support fair justice initiatives that will give relief to Florida’s mass incarceration and reunite families. Your attendance shows that you are stepping up to get the job done!
We seek a ‘shock and awe’ presence, 1,000 people plus, because we know there is power in numbers. We want legislators and media to feel our solid commitment to fair justice for our loved ones. Florida imprisons about 100,000 offenders with a disproportionate number of African-Americans and minorities. Dozens of other states have adopted bipartisan reforms that safely reduce prison populations and save taxpayers money – unfortunately Florida has not. Now we have entered a new decade where doors are slowly opening that will rescue our loved ones from Florida’s cruel, concrete jungles. WE MUST MAKE THIS HAPPEN! When 1,000 folk speak up – key players will listen.
WHY IS LOBBY DAY SO IMPORTANT? Lobby Day is the one day of the year where directly impacted individuals have opportunity to share with Legislators their personal experience and the impact incarceration has on their lives and their families while urging them to support productive criminal justice and prison reform bills. The major focus this year is on HB189, Rep. Diane Hart’s Bill, which addresses re-implementing 65% gain time. We seek it for ALL offenders. In addition, Sen. Jeff Brandes has composed SB1308, an important Bill that will allow those adolescents and young adults who committed their offense when they were under 25 years of age opportunity to apply for re-sentencing by the local lower court. This Bill recognizes the fact that adolescents and young adults are not cognitively mature. They are poor decision makers without clear comprehension of long-term consequences that may rob them of their life-long freedoms.
Link: http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2020/1308/BillText/Filed/PDF
The Lobby Day agenda includes meetings between groups of returning citizens, impacted family members and Legislators which will give way to open dialogue on the 65% including it’s factual benefits. The Rally will wrap up about 10am. Attendees can grab lunch or get on the road. Some will choose to speak with news media and/or attend related Session meetings.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Southern Poverty Life Center (SPLC) and Campaign for Criminal Justice Reform (CCJR) are providing housing and transportation to 150 people that are directly impacted by the 65% Bill and that reside in key legislative districts. Everyone can apply! However, not being selected for a scholarship, doesn’t mean you should not attend the rally. It is critical that you are in the number! WE NEED YOU THERE IN ORDER TO PREVAIL!
HOW TO REGISTER? Use the link below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvFIOSrd5nhBSi_fnh83tvSfWS4FFGGr9Z0g_GGU3xC-ia0Q/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&fbclid=IwAR05ILiy0iruSeXgM5C8f1ENuRL-49UCvAbbAjxPnzbvQiqybx2XoBAkF9g
Survey/Letter
Courtesy of Florida Cares
Last week we announced that we are collaborating with a brand new, highly motivated and well-funded organization called Prisonreformnow.org, LLC on a voters survey regarding Criminal Justice and Prison Reform. The survey can be found at www.65now.net, please be sure you complete the survey as well as share it. We will also be mailing the incarcerated a letter with the survey and a scantron to provide additional contacts of people who we can connect with to complete the survey. Here’s a link to the letter and survey that explains more.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1HrQLWNgzR3FOMef-zSDex8a9m6Ml_j0n
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1YvBdivfi_SGdaczVcDKYdN871PYfTP-V
If you need a ride to Lobby Day or a place to stay, email: info@floridacarescharity.org.
JUST DO IT! Once you register, a Florida Cares volunteer will be in contact with you to go over the fine details. SEE YOU AT LOBBY DAY 2020!