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New York Update – November 4, 2021

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In this issue…

What do the elections mean for criminal justice reform in NY? 

Defending #LessIsMoreNY

Quotes of the Week

What do the Elections Mean for Criminal Justice Reform in New York?

The dust is settling from elections this week across New York. In NYC, Eric Adams will be the new Mayor come January 1st, 2022, and many progressives won citywide and council elections. But there was a strong showing by conservative anti-reform candidates as well, not just in NYC, but on Long Island (especially the Nassau County DA race), and elsewhere. What do these elections mean for criminal justice reform in New York? 

That’s the big question we’ll be taking up at our next NY Statewide Criminal Justice Reform Call! Next Wednesday, Nov 1oth, we’ll be convening the monthly call with organizers, advocates, and community members working on every aspect of criminal justice reform in the state. Each call starts with an insider report from the lobbyist, about what’s happening behind the scenes. Register here to join us on Wednesday, November 10th from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. 

We typically hold these calls on the second Thursday of every month, however, next Thursday is a holiday so we moved the call to Wednesday. 

If you have any questions about the statewide call or would like to be a presenter, call, please contact Yonah at yonah@katalcenter.org.


Defending #LessIsMoreNY

#LessIsMoreNY Campaign outside the signing of the Less Is More Act, 9/17/2021 

This week, statewide elections were held in New York and criminal justice reform played a major role in some of the races throughout the state, particularly in Long Island. Conservative anti-reform candidates ran campaigns using racist and blatant lies about bail reform specifically and criminal justice reform more generally. 

These attacks aren’t limited to bail reform. As you know, since the #LessIsMoreNY Act was signed in September, we have been working nonstop to defend the new law against attacks. Conservative lawmakers, some law enforcement officials, and the parole officer union are using the same playbook that’s been deployed against bail reform — misinformation against #LessIsMoreNY rooted in racist fearmongering and scare tactics. 

With our partners, we’re fighting back across the state. And you can help!

  • Join us on Wednesday, November 17 from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. for our next #LessIsMoreNY Campaign Update call– you’ll learn more about the campaign and how to get involved to defend and implement the historic #LessIsMoreNY aw. Register to join us!

Got questions about Less is More? Join us on the 17th, or reach out to Imani Webb-Smith at imani@katalcenter.org


Katal Quotes of the Week

These are some of the quotes we’re thinking about this week.

“In order for us as poor and oppressed people to become part of a society that is meaningful, the system under which we now exist has to be radically changed. This means that we are going to have to learn to think in radical terms. I use the term radical in its original meaning–getting down to and understanding the root cause. It means facing a system that does not lend itself to your needs and devising means by which you change that system.” — Ella Baker

“In all our deeds, the proper value and respect for time determines success or failure.”  — Malcolm X

 “Life is not what you alone make it. Life is the input of everyone who touched your life and every experience that entered it. We are all part of one another.” — Yuri Kochiyama


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Be safe as possible out there, and get vaccinated as soon as you can. If you want to get involved, learn more about our work, or just connect, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Katal works to strengthen the people, policies, institutions, and movements that advance equity, health, and justice. Join us: web, Twitter, Facebook! Email: info@katalcenter.org. Phone: 646.875.8822.

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