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Our elected officials want to be praised for being “bold leaders”, but we need them to take immediate action to preserve life. As we continue to edge towards a peak in the impact of COVID19 on our community, we need to see preventative action taken immediately.
This pandemic is exposing the systemic failures that social justice advocates have been fighting to change for decades. The Governor must act quickly to react to the gaps being exposed, and protect all Nevadans, including those that are incarcerated or without shelter.
We are calling on Governor Sisolak to immediately take the following steps:
Free our People: “Social distancing,” is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, yet it is nearly impossible to achieve in jails or prisons. The CDC guidelines recommend that all people “maintain 6 feet of distance from others, and stay out of crowded places.” Jails and prisons cannot adhere to those requirements while people share cells and eat three meals a day accompanied by dozens of other people in close quarters.
The Governor must issue an executive order calling for the release of as many incarcerated people as possible, including those incarcerated pretrial on bail amounts they cannot afford and those within a year of completing their sentence. The Governor should commute those sentences that are within a year of release, offer compassionate release to those particularly vulnerable due to severe illness, and also consider individual cases that can be given medical furloughs. Lastly, the Governor should mandate that anyone currently being held on a technical probation or parole supervision violation should be released and allowed to return to supervision in their homes. The Governor must coordinate with the Nevada Board of Pardons, local sheriffs, and legislators to do everything possible to preserve life.
House our People: As we know; we are in the midst of a housing crisis. COVID-19 has illuminated the intersection of incarceration and homelessness, as well as the historic failure of funding for housing. A home is more than a roof and four walls. For many it’s peace of mind, and it’s family. And in the time of a pandemic, it’s important to remember: housing is health care. Sheltered housing will prevent the spread of the virus. There are plenty of vacant hotels, motels, and city owned properties available to provide immediate shelter to our community. The state must call on local jurisdictions to open these unoccupied units to the homeless community and those released from incarceration who need a place to stay.
Send a letter today to the Governor’s office to demand Nevada ensure everyone is able to protect themselves and their families during this unprecedented health crisis.
FREE OUR PEOPLE, HOUSE OUR PEOPLE
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