On May 8, Governor Kathy Hochul granted 19 pardons to people living in the community, all of whom had transformed their lives and deserved this relief. However, she failed to act on a single clemency application from an incarcerated woman ahead of Mother’s Day, or any incarcerated people of any gender, despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis in her prison system. In response, Jose Saldana, Director of the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign (RAPP), crime survivor, and a survivor of 38 years in prison, released the following statement:
“Of all the incarcerated women who have languished in prison for years and decades, many of whom with extraordinary records of transformation and accomplishment, Governor Hochul failed to offer even one of them a second chance ahead of Mother’s Day. Their families will remain separated and their children will continue to be among the 105,000 across the state with an incarcerated parent.
Most women in prison are survivors of domestic violence and many suffer sexual assaults by Governor Hochul’s prison guards. Some were locked up for defending themselves. This Governor is more likely to reward the prison guards who assault them with perks like raises than take meaningful action to protect the women from this predatory environment. In fact, Bedford Hills and Albion prisons for women lead the nation in reported sexual assaults by staff.
I simply cannot believe that not a single woman – or anyone of any gender – in the state’s prison system is worthy of a second chance. I am left to conclude that their lives mean nothing to Governor Hochul.
In total, California Governor Gavin Newsom has granted 169 commutations since taking office in 2019. In contrast, Governor Hochul, who took office just two years later, has granted a paltry 19. Governor Hochul, you have the opportunity to set a new standard for executive courage. It’s not too late to fulfill your promise.”
BACKGROUND: Since taking office in 2021, Governor Hochul has granted 139 clemencies, including 19 commutations to people incarcerated in the New York State prison system and 120 pardons for people living in the community. She has committed to granting clemencies on an ongoing basis, not just at the end of the year as has traditionally been done by previous governors. She has also committed to a transparent clemency process so that people know where their applications are at any given time. There are 1,175 pending commutation applications and 608 pending pardon applications awaiting action by the Governor.
The Release Aging People in Prison Campaign helps lead the #HochulBringThemHome Campaign, which calls on Governor Hochul to grant clemencies year-round, inclusively, and transparently. More info is available at newyorkersforclemency.com.
