“Joy and emotion” — and relief, no doubt — among reform supporters out there:
Boston – Hundreds of supporters gathered at the State House today to watch as the Massachusetts House of Representatives voted in favor of an historic Criminal Justice Reform measure. As the final tally came in, and the bill passed by a vote of 138 to 17, supporters and advocates expressed joy and emotion at the victory.
The Senate passed its version in November, and it was even hoped that the House might move forward on it back then. Better late than never. The Gov's going to sign the final bill.
If you live out in the 'burbs, it's hard to underestimate what a big deal this is to urban, lower-income minority neighborhoods. For these folks, this is about breaking a cycle of crime-poverty-crime among their own neighbors. And the top cops even agree — their cover probably cinched the deal.
One can very easily demagogue this issue; and it will be, starting now, very likely in the Governor's race. It's easy to mischaracterize as “soft on crime, even when it's likely to prevent crime and save money in the criminal justice system.
We'll see if Baker and Cahill take the bait. They've taken all the rest of it …
Thanks Dad!
It just makes sense. Woohoo!
Grats to everyone who’s worked years on this issue. It was a no brainer, glad it’s on the way toward getting done. (That said, it ain’t over till it’s over, so I’d like to see a quick reconciliation process.)
Good to see the House not give in to election year wobbles and do the right thing. A credit to them – all 138 yes reps.
Does the bill exempt employers from liability from hiring ex-felons ?
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p>I bet probably not.
anyone know who the 17 no’s were? I’ve had limited success even finding the vote even covered in the press, let alone an actual record of the votes…