Contact: Shakti Robbins-Cubas

State Senator Velmanette Montgomery’s District Office

cubas@nysenate.gov

718-643-6140

February 13, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Raise The Age is a vital part of my vision for reforming juvenile justice in New York State. Under the leadership of Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the Senate Democrats continue to lead efforts to fundamentally change the way youth are treated in our criminal justice system,” Senator Montgomery said. “I have been proud to carry this legislation since 2012 and I am glad this issue is getting the attention it deserves.”

“Raise The Age must be more than a slogan or a way to score political points and headlines,” Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. “The Senate Democrats have led the fight to Raise The Age in New York State, and Senator Velmanette Montgomery has sponsored this legislation for over 5 years. The Senate Republican-IDC Coalition need to accept the facts that incarcerating our non-violent youth with hardened, adult criminals is cruel, costly, and ineffective. The Senate Democrats will keep up the fight to Raise The Age and bring New York State in line with the rest of the nation.”

Senator Montgomery’s legislation would move adolescent cases out of Criminal Court to Family Court where there are more age appropriate resources and youth would not be housed in the same correctional facilities as adults. Youth that go through the adult criminal justice system are 34% more likely to be rearrested than youth who go through the juvenile justice system. With 70% of the accused youth being Black and Latino and 80% of those actually incarcerated being Black and Latino this legislation will help end the unjust cycle.

While there are several proposals currently being floated to address this crisis, Senator Montgomery’s is the most comprehensive and has the support of the Assembly Majority, the Senate Democrats and the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus. Her legislation would Raise the Age immediately, make it easier for youth to seal their records, and would require the state to fully reimburse localities for expenses related to Raise the Age. Senator Montgomery’s legislation to Raise The Age, would reduce recidivism and would likely save the state over $100 million per year.

“Raising the Age must be complemented with investments in alternatives to incarceration and educational and professional opportunities for our most vulnerable youth,” Senator Montgomery concluded. “Only then will we have a comprehensive approach that puts us on the path to ending mass incarceration and permanently ending the prison pipeline.”