Kara Gotsch

Today, I'm commuting the sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted of non-violent drug offenses. This is an important step toward righting historic wrongs and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their communities after far too much time behind bars.

Here's a look at the state of play for Pennsylvania lifers, per @SentencingProj's latest report @axios axios.com/local/philadel…

Thank you @karahope7 for listening to directly impacted voices and corrections officers through your advocacy for #SecondLookMI. This bill is critical to end mass incarceration, advance racial justice, and better invest in community safety.

Join our team! We're #hiring for the following roles: ◼️ Senior Campaign Strategist ◼️ Youth Justice Engagement Manager ◼️ Development Director Apply or share with your network: sentencingproject.org/about/careers-…

.@KGotsch: "Felony disenfranchisement echoes policies of the past, like poll taxes and literacy tests Felony voting bans keep communities that have been historically unheard and under-resourced from having equal representation in our democracy." commondreams.org/news/4-million… #USA

NEW REPORT: In 2024, an estimated 4M Americans will be ineligible to vote due to a felony conviction. Every citizen, regardless of criminal legal status, should be able to participate in our democracy and have their voices heard. #FreeTheVote bit.ly/4dFxlZY

Great news for kids in Baltimore! The number of high school-aged teens shot in Baltimore has fallen by more than two-thirds compared to last year’s 10-year-high watermark. thebaltimorebanner.com/community/crim…

July 24 @ 3PM ET: Join us for a webinar exploring the weak relationship between incarceration and crime, non-prison alternatives to enhance community safety, and media coverage's relationship to public concern about crime. Register: bit.ly/4cS1Xay

"It does not matter if you sit in the halls of Congress or at the desk of a prison library. When you speak to the Commission, you will be heard." Thank you Judge Reeves and @TheUSSCgov for your commitment to democracy in sentencing.

NEW: 46 U.S. states have reduced both incarceration rates and crime in the last decade. We don’t have to return to a punitive playbook in the face of recent crime upticks. Learn more in our latest brief: bit.ly/45pZAZX

Life imprisonment is cruel and ineffective at reducing crime. People serving extreme sentences deserve a second look to demonstrate their rehabilitation and transformation. So pleased a movement is growing in the United States to do just that.

Proud of my colleagues and @SentencingProj partners raising awareness about sentencing reform for domestic violence survivors and pushing for reform. mailchi.mp/themarshallpro…

@Nkechi_Taifa @JAMAiwuyor @DAReparations @justice_is_love @ToddStevenBurr1 @JotakaEaddy @MsLaToshaBrown @AfricanaCarr @SIfill_ @CRR_UWI @yesmagazine Well deserved! Congratulations!

Honored to be recognized by the US Helsinki Commission during Women’s History Month!! @JAMAiwuyor @DAReparations @justice_is_love @ToddStevenBurr1 @JotakaEaddy @MsLaToshaBrown @AfricanaCarr @SIfill_ @CRR_UWI @yesmagazine @KGotsch

NEW: Our latest report highlights reforms implemented by 23 states and eight other localities across the country to expand and improve the use of diversion as an alternative to arrest or formal prosecution in juvenile court. bit.ly/4ankUR8

@thejakehorowitz @pewtrusts Congratulations and thank you, Jake, Pew, and the large community of colleagues who have toiled in these efforts, for making a significant impact in reducing incarceration.

After nearly 18 years, the @pewtrusts closed down its Public Safety Performance Project (PSPP). Some reflections...

NEW REPORT: Our newest research brief examines misconceptions around crimes of a sexual nature that contribute to the rise in imprisonment rates and the lengthening of sentences, and offers recommendations for reform. bit.ly/47QdLHD

NEW: Our latest report examines three causes of racial inequity in the criminal legal system and presents a series of promising reforms from over 50 jurisdictions across the country that can mitigate their impact. bit.ly/3RuGdd8

WATCH: As 2023 marks 50 years of mass incarceration in America, our new Public Service Announcement, #50YearsAndAWakeUp, raises awareness about the dire state of the U.S. criminal legal system & the impact of incarceration on communities and families. youtube.com/watch?v=ig569D…

NEW: Our latest report describes reforms that state and local youth justice systems can and should adopt to combat the overuse of incarceration and maximize the success of youth who are placed in alternative-to-incarceration programs. bit.ly/3u5W1K2

TAKE ACTION: Over 3000 people who were released from prison and placed in home confinement because of the Covid-19 pandemic are at risk of being sent back to prison because of cruel new legislation. Urge lawmakers to keep them home! bit.ly/40v7CP4