Lopez Statement on Appointments to Corrections Ombudsperson Advisory Board

          (TRENTON) – Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (D-Middlesex) released the following statement applauding Governor Phil Murphy’s appointments to the Advisory Board of the Office of the Corrections Ombudsperson, which was created under the Dignity for Incarcerated Primary Caretaker Parents Act she sponsored:

“Today’s appointments, combined with Speaker Coughlin’s previous appointments, to the Advisory Board of the Office of the Corrections Ombudsperson reflect a continued commitment to systemic improvements to the conditions in our State’s correctional facilities. The Dignity Act offers New Jersey the opportunity to lead the nation in creating the strongest corrections oversight entity. The work of this Advisory Board will be crucial in supporting the efforts and activities of the new Corrections Ombudsperson.

“I have full confidence that the members of the Advisory Board will work diligently to ensure the various issues of historic abuse are addressed and that prisoners are guaranteed a rehabilitative experience with dignity at the forefront. The work in bettering our approach to corrections begins with boards like this one and I look forward to the transformative changes and recommendations this Advisory Board will put forth.

“I continue to stand with prisoners, advocates, survivors and the formerly incarcerated to ensure the full implementation of the Dignity Act remains a priority.”