Dear Fellow New Yorker,
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I want to give you an update on Raise the Age, our campaign to improve the way our young people are treated by our criminal justice system.
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Even though we just launched this effort on Monday, there’s been significant response all across New York by everyone from elected officials, to law enforcement, to young people who will be directly affected.
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Here are a few of the highlights:
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- Westchester D.A. Janet DiFiore wrote an Op-Ed outlining the problem, and supporting the proposed changes. Read it here.
- A diverse coalition of law enforcement, clergy, young people, and criminal justice reform advocates called on legislators to reform the system. See photos from the event.
- Law enforcement officials, community leaders, and impacted young people from across New York recorded this video calling for reform.
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The simple fact is that under New York’s current laws, hundreds of 16- and 17-year-olds are placed in adult prisons at the cost of $100 million each year. While there, they face potential abuse and limited opportunities to rebuild their lives.
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Other states address needs of these youth more effectively and at a reduced cost through robust community based services, many of which are included in this proposal.
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It is imperative that we Raise the Age and reform New York’s juvenile justice system, not just because it helps at-risk youths build successful futures, but also because it will improve public safety in communities across the state. That is why this reform must pass this year, and I encourage all New Yorkers to join us in making our justice system stronger and fairer for all.
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Please click here to see how you can get involved.
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We’re already seeing an incredible response and we’re only just getting started. Together, we can change how our criminal justice system treats minors and set youth on a path to opportunity.
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Sincerely,
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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
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