Josh Elliott

Human connection is fundamental to our well-being, and our prisons in Connecticut are precluding this basic human right. Every child deserves to hear “I love you” from their guardian. However, this is impossible for many families in Connecticut as we are the most expensive state in the nation for prison calls. To connect with their child for only fifteen minutes, a parent must pay $4.87; this amounts to $1,777.55 per year.
 
Mothers and fathers who need to provide emotional support to their incarcerated child must make the choice between connecting with their child and putting food on the table at home. Providing this human connection is essential if we want our inmates to thrive in society upon release. Communication is also critical to minimizing the trauma experienced by our children with incarnated parents, who may not hear their parent’s voice for days or weeks on end.
 
These phone calls have always been a lifeline for families with loved ones in prison; but they were truly vital throughout the pandemic as the only form of connection for these families. Thousands of working parents lost their jobs, struggled to pay rent, and could no longer visit their incarcerated loved ones in person. The financial and emotional toll of telecommunication was tragic for countless families.

Last week the House passed SB 972 with bipartisan support, allowing families to connect with loved ones in prison for free. This bill also prohibits the state from profiting off of working families who are struggling to afford this connection with their loved ones.
 
Communication is proven to reduce recidivism. SB 972 not only decreases the trauma experienced by countless of families, but also supports our communities socially and economically. It is critical that we provide the resources and support necessary for the mental wellness of each family in our community.