H.R. 5296, a Bill that would have revived Federal Parole

Introductory Remarks and Full Bill Text

Read the story that appeared in DRCnet's Week Online, Oct 4, 2002, on the passing of the Honarable Patsy Mink,, sponsor of HR 5296

Inspired in part by Drug War Prisoner Chrissy Taylor, H.R. 5296 was a bill authored by Rep. Patsy mink (D-HI) and introduced late in the 107th Congress that would have revived federal parole. There were no cosponsors; the bill needed more congressional support. It also needed more public support. Due to the untimely death of the the bill's sponsor, the Honorable Patsy Mink, the November Coaliton is redoubling efforts around our Petition for Relief from Drug War Injustice.

Here are things that you can begin doing today:

Make a phone call to your member of Congress. Support early release of prisoners!

Please phone your congressional representatives. They need to hear this message often because we intend this to be a public and congressional issue.

Good contact info for all politicians, federal and state, at home and in the
nation's capitol, can be found at www.vote-smart.org.

When you call, suggested wording is, "I am calling to urge Representative (your Representative's name) to consider reintroducing a bill to revive federal parole. Providing prisoners with an incentive to maintain exemplary behavior in prison and earn early release makes sense. Individuals should have a chance to rehabilitate themselves and rejoin our society. Honor the late Patsy Mink's last act of her political life and support her legacy."

Capital switchboard: 202-224-3121

If you do not know the name of your member of Congress, give the operator your address and they will connect you to the correct office. Before the operator does so, write this information down. Follow-up your phone call by sending a fax or hard copy letter.

If you cannot send a fax, send a letter of support to the local office of your member of Congress. When you call, remember to ask the office of your representative for their fax number, and the local address.

Sample Letter (be sure to include your contact information)

Dear Honorable ___________:

In 2002 H.R. 5296, a bill to revive federal parole for U.S. prisoners was introduced in the House by the Hon. Patsy Mink of Hawaii. With the death of Rep. Mink her final passion for justice, H.R. 5296, died with her in the last congressional session.

Neither Ms. Mink's proposed legislation, or the spirit that impelled it, has died. It's only waiting for new life, and I'm looking for that same spirit, that similar desire for justice, in you. Will you consider stepping forward with other leaders in a determined call for a revival of federal parole or system of earned, early release?

Earned release would once again provide prisoners with an incentive to maintain exemplary behavior in prison, and prepare for their return to families and society. Prisoners reuniting earlier will increase the prospects for a successful reentry into society. Reviving parole for federal prisoners only makes sense. Isn't rewarding acheivement the American way? Inhumane prison conditions and overcrowding are a direct result of bad law.

If you agree with these facts and logic, I hope you will reply to me and say, "Yes, I agree that earning one's way is the American way, and I will join with other leaders in support of new legislation to revive parole."

Sincerely,
(Your name and contact information)

Check local listings in your phone book, or, when you call the office of your representative in DC, ask for the closest local address to you. Keep this address for future reference. When your representative is visiting the local office, make an appointment to visit, and in person urge support for the return of parole.

Remember, be polite! We must gather support for this bill.

Download and gather signatures for our Petition of Relief from Drug War Injustice

Descargue una Petición Española

History of the Federal Parole System from the US Department of Justice, May 2003.

This is one of the best ways to educate the public. Future hope is embodied in the Petition for Relief from Drug War Injustice that the November Coalition began circulating in April 2002. Please review this Petition, sign it online, download a copy, and gather signatures of support for earned, early release for federal prisoners of the drug war. Many people share the notion that there is power to end the US Drug War in common, ordinary people. Opinion makers and leaders need grassroots' support to effect change. Building a mass base of support to end drug war injustice is our movement's continuing challenge, please help us.

If you need to learn how to work more effectively as a community activist, please visit our online Basics of Grassroots Activism.