PBS Frontline is presenting a program on how the mentally ill people end up incarcerated in our prison system: Nearly ten times as many mentally ill Americans are in prison as in psychiatric hospitals. In Ohio 16% of inmates have been diagnosed with a mental illness (a typical state percentage).…
Rising prison populations and high recidivism (re-offense) rates affect all of us in terms of public safety and diversion of limited public funds. A bill before the legislature, developed by the Friends Committee and key allies, will help ex-offenders become successful citizens once they are released. Ex-offenders usually leave…
Call your Legislators on March 30 In coordination with the Washington Tax Fairness Coalition of which FCWPP is a participant, we want legislators to hear from us in support of an estate tax on March 30. Your call will add impact to a scheduled press event on March 29…
It has been a wild week in Olympia. We thank those of you who called your legislators on the three criminal justice bills SB 5339, SB 5611 and HB 1359. A flurry of last minute calls almost resulted in the passage of SB 5339 related to discharge of sentence and restoration of…
Criminal justice bills originated by FCWPP and its Transition & Reentry Reform Coalition have moved to the floor of the legislature (SB 5339, SB 5611, HB 1359), and are expected to be scheduled for debate and vote between now and Wednesday. Please contact your legislators now and urge them to approve…
Rising prison populations and high recidivism (re-offense) rates affect all of us in terms of public safety and the best use of public funds. Two measures before the legislature developed by the Friends Committee and key allies will help ex-offenders become successful citizens once they are released. We and need your support to get them…
Tuesday, March 1, hearings will be held by both Houses of the WashingtonState Legislature on Joint Memorials expressing concern about the USAPatriot Act and urging Congress to place restrictions on it.The House bill, HJM 4006, will be heard at 10:00 AM in Judiciary in HousingHearing Room B. For more on…
One of the most important issues confronting our state is the estimated $2.2 Billion budget deficit we face. The legislature must eliminate this deficit by passing a balanced budget by April 24th, 2005. The Revenue Forecast is due out March 17, 2005. Governor Gregoire will release her proposed budget shortly thereafter. It is vital…