Past Resources of the Week
ROTW: [Action Alert] No 11th Hour Changes to the SHU Exclusion Law
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
- Urban Justice Center
OMH and DOCS have asked the legislature to make modifications to the SHU Exclusion Law before the legislative session ends on June 20. The SHU Law was signed in January 2008 and is scheduled to become effective on July 1, 2011. It is outrageous for OMH and DOCS to propose modifications to this law at the last minute. They have had more than 3 years to propose these changes. By pressing the legislature for them now, OMH and DOCS are denying an open and full debate about these changes.
Please encourage the Assembly and Senate to oppose any changes to the SHU Exclusion Law before the end of the legislative session. Ask that the legislature require OMH and DOCS to implement the law as written on July 1. If OMH and DOCS believe that changes to the law are needed, they should present detailed information to the legislature and the public as to why they believe such changes are required.
Please call the legislators listed below and tell them:
“I am a member [or supporter] of Mental Health Alternatives to Solitary Confinement, and I oppose any changes to the SHU Exclusion Law. This law protects people with mental illness who are in prison and is a critical limit on the use of solitary confinement in New York State prison. Please stand behind the law and oppose any eleventh hour amendments.”
Assemblyman Jeff Aubry, Chair, Committee on Correction
518-455-4561
Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, Chair, Committee on Mental Health
518-455-3821
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver
518-455-3791
Senator Michael Nozzolio, Chair, Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction
518-455-2366
Senator Roy McDonald, Chair, Committee on Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities
518-455-2381
Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos
518-455-3171
Thanks for your support!