WISDOM Launches Connecting Families Campaign Aimed at Free Telecommunications in Wisconsin for Incarcerated Individuals and their Loved Ones

[Milwaukee, WI] – WISDOM and partners are hosting a press conference to launch the “Connecting Families Campaign” a statewide effort aimed at providing free calls for incarcerated individuals and their families. Studies have shown that maintaining family connections is one of the most important factors in reducing recidivism rates, yet the high cost of phone calls from jails and prisons creates a financial barrier that further isolates incarcerated individuals and harms their loved ones.

Communication with loved ones outside interrupts the toxicity of prisons and jails that reproduces harm and creates despair. One in three families with an incarcerated loved one goes into debt trying to maintain contact while enriching predatory correctional telecom corporations. Regular communication with support systems allows incarcerated people to plan for release, which includes securing housing and employment, two critical needs for people coming home. However, correctional telecom corporations enjoy monopoly contracts over prisons and jails, ensuring that incarcerated people and their families have no choice in which service provider they use or what rates they pay. No matter whether someone is behind bars or not, we all deserve to communicate with our loved ones without going into debt to connect with the people that matter most to us.

We are working to bring this issue to the forefront by pushing for legislation that guarantees free calls for families to stay connected with their loved ones in Wisconsin. Five other states including; CA, CT, CO, MN, & MS have passed similar legislation. This demonstrates that this initiative can succeed. Now, we are acting in Wisconsin and are calling on the public, community leaders and our lawmakers to support this important cause. We believe that with support, we can inspire action and change in Wisconsin’s criminal justice system. Together, we can fight to make Communication Services free of charge for Incarcerated Loved Ones and their families in Wisconsin.

If you’re interested in joining or supporting the Campaign, please click the link below:
https://secure.everyaction.com/BL2IHGYaNUSIvb4xRUWFbQ2. For more information or questions, please contact Connecting Families Campaign Coordinator, Latisha White at latisha@wisdomwisconsin.org.

What: Campaign Launch for Connecting Families
Who: WISDOM, partners and allies, people who are directly impacted and their loved ones
When: January 8, 2025 at 11 am
Where: Welford Sanders Enterprise Building, 2821 N Vel R. Phillips Ave Milwaukee, WI 53212

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.