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Sen. Booker Applauds FCC Attention to Inmate Calling Rates(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 -- The office of Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., issued the following news release: U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., today issued the following statement on the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) call for comments on inmate calling services. The FCC took action in 2013 to address the exorbitantly high rates inmates are charged for telephone services in correctional facilitates. While these changes have had a positive impact in bringing fair pricing to inmates making out-of-state calls, further reforms are needed as inmates can still be subject to extremely high rates for in-state calls. The FCC's further notice of proposed rulemaking seeks input on what additional steps the FCC can take to ensure inmates can connect with loved ones, so they can recover and rejoin society. "Research has shown time and again that incarcerated men and women who maintain close ties with supportive family and friends have greater success after their release," said Sen. Booker. "Furthermore, adults who maintain contact with loved ones are less likely to be arrested again or re-incarcerated. To that end, charging inmates outrageous rates for phone service seriously burdens the recovery and rehabilitation process, and ends up costing us all more in the long run. I applaud Commissioner Clyburn and Chairman Wheeler for their continued attention to the costs of inmate calling and look forward to seeing what more the FCC can do to make progress on this important issue." Sen. Booker has long advocated for common-sense reforms to the criminal justice system. In July 2014, Sen. Booker and Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced the REDEEM Act (Record Expungement Designed to Enhance Employment), which would give individuals convicted of non-violent crimes a second chance at the American Dream, make our communities safer, and save taxpayer dollars. The legislation would help keep youth out of a lifetime of crime and assist adults who commit non-violent crimes in becoming more self-reliant and less likely to commit future crimes. More information on the REDEEM Act available here.http://www.booker.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=100 TNS 30TacordaCheng-141018-4904057 30TacordaCheng (c) 2014 Targeted News Service [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] |