Tarana Burke, founder of the MeToo movement, has backed changes to New York’s victims’ compensation law and a proposed overhaul of parole.
The proposed alterations, part of a last-minute push by Democratic state lawmakers and criminal justice advocates, aim to expand the state’s victim compensation law to include more eligible individuals by eliminating a mandatory reporting requirement to law enforcement. Lawmakers are also advocating for the amendment of parole eligibility rules to favor older individuals who have served over 15 years in prison.
Despite Republican opposition calling for stricter parole standards and more restrictions on Parole Board members, Democrats, holding supermajorities in both legislative chambers, are optimistic about securing votes for the proposed measures in the coming weeks.
Burke advocates for the expansion of government-funded healing resources and a transformation of the parole release system to focus on personal change as crucial steps to foster dignity and safety for all. The Fair Access to Victim Compensation, Elder Parole, and Fair & Timely Parole bills, Burke insists, would accomplish this, urging New York State to pass them this year.
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