GOVERNOR MURPHY SIGNS THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY CREDITS LAW TO RELEASE PEOPLE NEARING THE END OF PRISON SENTENCES  

For Immediate Release 

October 19, 2020

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In a season where America’s presidential leadership sanctions hate groups to continue destruction and dehumanization across this nation, our community must band together to form a collective consciousness rooted in morality. Today, with the signing of the Public Health Emergency Credits Legislation into law, we at Salvation and Social Justice are hopeful that New Jersey, and the country as a whole, are moving in a direction where the humanity of all people will finally be protected.

The law goes into effect Nov. 4th. This Public Health Emergency Credits law grants 3000+ sisters and brothers (New Jersey expects an estimated 20% drop in overall prison population by January) the opportunity to safely return home. New Jersey has the worst Black-white racial disparities in its prison population in the United States and the highest rate of COVID-19-related deaths in prisons. During this pandemic, the prison system has proven dangerous for those incarcerated and those employed by the system. This law will increase the safety for all.

Governor Murphy signing this legislation into law makes today a monumental day. Make no mistake, the fight for public health and racial justice continues. However, today we uplift our incarcerated sisters and brothers and their loved ones who fought over the past months. We praise our partners in the movement, ACLU-NJ and New Jersey Prison Justice Watch, the 100+ advocacy groups and religious congregations, Senator Nellie Pou, Senator Sandra Cunningham, Assemblyman Raj Mukherji, Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter, and Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson. This community fought to pass this legislation that will help protect marginalized communities from being further dehumanized and unprotected in the midst of this multi-pandemic of COVID-19 and the continuous battle against racial, social, and economic injustice.

Today we are hopeful and energized to continue this movement with our communities across New Jersey and the nation. Freedom will come. Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community will be realized. This is a huge step for New Jersey and leading decarceration efforts across the country.

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