1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong support for legislative efforts to make telephone calls free for incarcerated individuals in Maryland state correctional facilities. Communication is a human right, not a luxury. Currently, Maryland charges families to speak with their incarcerated loved ones. This system acts as a regressive tax that disproportionately impacts low-income, Black, and brown communities across Baltimore. According to national data, one in three families goes into debt just to stay in touch with an incarcerated family member, and women carry nearly 90% of that financial burden. While our state faces budget constraints, other states like Illinois (which provides a 775-minute monthly framework), California, and Connecticut have successfully proven that relieving this burden is both fiscally viable and socially necessary. Maintaining strong family ties directly reduces recidivism rates, improves safety inside correctional facilities, and eases the re-entry process for returning citizens. I urge you to push for the passage of these critical reforms. Thank you for your time, leadership, and dedication to justice reform in Maryland.