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Hello,

Our criminal legal system is hurting us, and I am writing to call for change. The overuse of probation and parole, use of mandatory sentences, use of cash bail, and life without parole sentences are some of the many issues that have led to 6.4 million people being under correctional control in this country.

The U.S. represents just 5 percent of the world's population, but it represents nearly 25 percent of the world's prison population. Nationally, young people, ages 18-35, make up 30% of the population, yet represent 60% of adult arrests and 42% of adult prison admissions. The consequences of an arrest or conviction can create lifelong barriers to accessing education, housing, and equitable employment opportunities. The impacts of this fall hardest on Black and Latinx communities and it has had a devastating impact on their long-term safety and stability.

By changing the framework of our state laws and policies, you can reduce the largest correctional population in the world.

 As your constituent, I urge you to shrink the criminal legal system by:

- Ending mandatory minimums
- Shortening terms of probation and parole to 1-2 years
- Decriminalizing certain crimes from felonies to misdemeanors
- Ending life without parole sentences

Far too many people are under correctional control in this country. I urge you to take these steps towards shrinking the criminal legal system.