Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill and the Reform Alliance are leading the charge to fix the state's broken parole and probation system.
With the help of Jay-Z, political commentator Van Jones and major sports teams owners, Mill is sponsoring a bipartisan bill in the Pennsylvania legislature that could change people's lives. Complex reports the Smart Probation & Parole Act (HB1555) is a bipartisan bill that will make the justice system fairer for residents of the state.
"I've been on probation in Pennsylvania my entire adult life, for over a decade. Every aspect of my life is restricted," Meek said. "We need to pass HB1555 and make sure individuals in Pennsylvania never experience confining and oppressive barriers that make it nearly impossible to re-enter society, travel to a job or even provide for their families."
According to a press released from last month, the act will make good behavior a priority in probation and parole cases.
Instead of focusing on incarceration, rehabilitation for people on probation and parole will be incentivized. Other aspects of the bill include creating standard time limits of 2 years for misdemeanors and 5 years for felonies. Parolees will have the ability to rejoin society and obtain GEDs and vocational training.
Our goal is simple – Get 1 million people out of the criminal justice system. After witnessing the injustices that took place with @meekmill – it was a complete wake up call. It’s time to change a broken system starting TODAY. Proud to be on this team! #Reform
#FightDifferent
pic.twitter.com/1ZqRYJjP9L— Michael Rubin (@MichaelGRubin) January 23, 2019
Jones, who serves as the CEO of the Reform Alliance, believes the bill is a first step in correcting the exorbitant amount of Pennsylvania residents on parole. The state currently has the third highest number of people on parole and probation.
"Pennsylvania is one of the worst offenders when it comes to having too many people on probation and parole — for way too long," said Jones. "HB1555 introduces common sense solutions that favor rehabilitation over re-imprisonment. I hope this bill returns Pennsylvania to being the beacon of American independence it could be."
Among the stellar business leaders and musicians who are part of the alliance, Vista Equity Partners founder Robert F. Smith is also a member. He recently made national headlines for donating and creating a $40 million fund to pay off 400 Morehouse College graduates' student debt.
