what's next in virginia reform

Many families, reformers, and casual observers are enthused and encouraged by the vision of current Governor Abigail Spanberger regarding prison reform in Virginia.

Virginia remains one of a handful of states that abolished parole (1995), leaving thousands to serve extremely long sentences. When then-Governor George Allen abolished parole in 1995, it was under the pressure of the crime-ridden 90s. Now, over 30 years later, the remnants of the no-parole law in Virginia can be quantified by an aging and demoralized prison population.

While "Old Law" prisoners (anyone convicted before July 1, 1995) are still eligible for parole, those convicted after that date feel stuck in a washing machine-type mechanism of punishment. Punishment that doesn't offer incentive or motivation to become better.

We all can agree that self-rehabilitation should be the best rehabilitation. However, what does one do when the pursuit of that self-rehabilitation remains void of support? Where does one find motivation when you're made to serve 85%+ of a sentence?

Now, enter Governor Spanberger and a vision to reduce the Virginia prison population while looking at comprehensive ways to motivate those who have lost hope.

There's also a Democratic Party with the majority in the General Assembly in Richmond, for whom the reform community supported heavily at last year's election.

Our organization founded the Virginia D.O.C. voting block for this sole purpose. Thousands and thousands of reform families across Virginia spoke loudly and clearly that they wanted change!

So, what's next?

What's next should be "action" by the elected officials to change this decades-old problem. What's next is YOU calling and emailing Governor Spanberger and lawmakers at the General Assembly to demand change! What's next is using your voice to create change and believing that people are redeemable. Do not underestimate your power!