Public objection to the Dutchess proposed jail project continues to grow. The issue of a proposed new county jail has been a major issue since 2017. Right now there is an opportunity to stop investment in a jail and improve investment in social services and community support.
A silent protest is planned on July 9. Many area activist groups and organizations are sponsoring, including DCPAA. Social distancing will be observed. If you feel you can participate, the details are below.
To demonstrate public support for new priorities, a group of organizations are planning a silent protest at 22 Market St, Poughkeepsie, from 4 to 5:30 on Thursday, July 9, just before the legislature meets. If 200 participants space ourselves 6 ft. apart, we can stretch a quarter-mile along Market Street, from Tubman Park all the way to the post office, with participants holding signs with a million dollar bill on them (200 people x $1 million = cost of the jail--the protest organizers will provide those signs). Other participants could bring signs with alternative policy priorities they envision: "fund youth summer jobs," "fund mental health support," or whatever priorities people want to express.
Sponsoring groups so far are ENJAN, DCPAA, the Progressive Black and Latino Caucus, Beacon Prison Action, Stop the Violence, ACT18 Indivisible, and the Democratic Caucus of the legislature. Other groups are still being contacted about co-sponsoring.
In the meantime, it would be incredibly helpful if people would PLEASE contact their county legislators and urge them to vote to rescind the bail bond and recommend a commission to consider alternatives. A phone call could have the most impact.
Read this letter from Rebecca Edwards and Nick Page:
The Dutchess County Legislature will meet on July 9, at 5:30 pm. Two resolutions from the Democratic caucus concerning the proposed jail project will be on the agenda. Those are at the end of this message, along with a fact sheet outlining why we passionately believe the county should rescind the remaining bonds, reconsider the jail project, and invest in alternatives to incarceration. Changing our criminal justice system is essential for racial justice and for the health and security of our community. In addition, the county's financial situation amid the COVID crisis is dire. The county's fund balance will be drained by September, and if direct federal aid does not come through, we are facing up to 200 layoffs. If we want to have any capacity, over the next few years, to invest in jobs, affordable housing, addiction treatment, mental health support, youth empowerment, environmental protection, and other essential goals, we need to NOT build a $200 million jail.To demonstrate public support for new priorities, a group of organizations are planning a silent protest at 22 Market St, Poughkeepsie, from 4 to 5:30 on Thursday, July 9, just before the legislature meets. If 200 participants space ourselves 6 ft. apart, we can stretch a quarter-mile along Market Street, from Tubman Park all the way to the post office, with participants holding signs with a million dollar bill on them (200 people x $1 million = cost of the jail--the protest organizers will provide those signs). Other participants could bring signs with alternative policy priorities they envision: "fund youth summer jobs," "fund mental health support," or whatever priorities people want to express.
Sponsoring groups so far are ENJAN, DCPAA, the Progressive Black and Latino Caucus, Beacon Prison Action, Stop the Violence, ACT18 Indivisible, and the Democratic Caucus of the legislature. Other groups are still being contacted about co-sponsoring.
In the meantime, it would be incredibly helpful if people would PLEASE contact their county legislators and urge them to vote to rescind the bail bond and recommend a commission to consider alternatives. A phone call could have the most impact.
TAKE ACTION
If you want to write to all: countylegislators@dutchessny.gov
with a cc to: cmorris@dutchessny.gov (Legislature Clerk) with Public Comment in the subject line.
Here’s a link to information on the issue https://mailchi.mp/948afa0aecbb/kn2xv6uev8