Although Latinos make up 9% of the Massachusetts population, we make up 28% of the prison population in the state. We see this statistic as a clear indicator that violence prevention programs and access to a good education are seriously lacking in our communities.

With the 3 strikes bill, we are looking at more than doubling the prison population by 2020 and an added cost of over 2 billion dollars for the taxpayers of Massachusetts.

In an economic climate such as this one, can we really afford a bill that expands the prison system, while we cut back on social service programs, education funding and local funding for police and safety officers?

With half of the current prison population reading below a 9th grade reading level, would it not make more sense to invest this funding in our schools and after school programs?
Expanding the prison population does not make us safer.

For more information and a throrough review of the 3-Strikes bill, read this week's edition of The Blackstonian.

We were proud to support Immigrant Advocates and Allies from across the state at a rally against Senate Bill 2061. This law would:

Undermine community safety and legalize racial profiling

Criminalize workers' and their families

Ban families from accessing public housing

Deny equal access to higher education

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