NASHVILLE – Leaders from advocacy, business and social service groups with
constituents across the state came together today to launch the Tennessee Coalition for
Sensible Justice. The nonpartisan coalition is committed to advancing criminal justice
reform. Founding organizations include the American Civil Liberties Union of
Tennessee, the Beacon Center of Tennessee, the Tennessee Association of Goodwills,
and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce.
“These diverse organizations from across the political spectrum came together because
we all agree that criminal justice reform is both necessary and urgent,” said Hedy
Weinberg, ACLU-TN executive director. “Our current criminal justice system is
functioning like a revolving door. We as a state can and must do better to ensure public
safety, fair treatment and equality in the justice system. This coalition will be a powerful
advocate for smart-on- crime policies at the legislature.”
The coalition will promote reforms that enhance public safety, promote rehabilitation
and re-entry, and save taxpayer dollars in order to create a just and fair criminal justice
system that offers every Tennessean the opportunity to become a productive member of
society.
"Safety of all Tennesseans is our number one priority, and that is why we are supporting
criminal justice reform,” said Justin Owen, president and CEO of the Beacon Center of
Tennessee. “It's not about being tough or soft on crime, it's about being effective on
crime. We are spending entirely too much taxpayer money on a system that is not
working and is actually making Tennessee less safe. We look forward to working with
the other members of the coalition to push effective reforms that will get justice for
victims, save taxpayers money, and make our communities safer."
Tennessee’s incarceration rate is 11 percent higher than the national average as of 2014,
costing Tennessee taxpayers over $900 million annually. The state’s high incarceration
rate does not appear to correspond with a proportional increase in public safety: Even as
Tennessee’s imprisonment rate increased by 256 percent between 1981 and 2013,
Tennessee’s violent crime rate remains among the highest in the nation. However, in 33
states that have reduced imprisonment rates, there has been a 13% decline in crime
rates.
“Currently in Tennessee, 46 percent of people released from prisons or jails are re-
incarcerated within three years. Productive, paid work is the key to restoring their
dignity and stopping this cycle, but a felony record can be a daunting barrier to
employment,” said Matthew Bourlakas, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of
Middle Tennessee, Inc. “With the right kind of help, such as the many training programs
offered by Goodwill, these people can turn their lives around.”
A recent poll shows that 95 percent of Tennessee voters agree that at least some reform
of the criminal justice system is needed. Seventy-one percent of voters believe that
people who have been to prison can turn their lives around with the right kind of help,
but nearly 80 percent believe that currently prison does not do a good job of
transitioning criminal offenders to become productive members of society.
“The number of workers retiring over the next decade is expected to be larger than the
number entering the job market,” said Ralph Schulz, president and CEO, Nashville Area
Chamber of Commerce. “For business, providing training and employment in a vibrant
labor market will be key to maintaining prosperity and that’s why our members support
this coalition.”
The coalition will initially pursue legislative initiatives focused on juvenile justice,
sentencing reform and recidivism reduction.
Prior to the legislative session, the group plans to hold a series of town hall meetings
and reach out to other organizations with an interest in criminal justice reform across
the state.
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The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee is freedom’s watchdog,
challenging government abuse of rights and fighting for fairness in our laws and their
enforcement. We are dedicated to translating the guarantees of the Bill of Rights into
reality for all Tennesseans through community education, legislative lobbying, advocacy
and litigation.
The Beacon Center of Tennessee is a limited government nonprofit that empowers
Tennesseans to reclaim control of their lives, so that they can freely pursue their version
of the American Dream.
The Tennessee Association of Goodwills works to enhance the dignity and quality
of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, eliminating barriers to
opportunity, and helping people in need reach their full potential through learning and
the power of work.
The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce is Middle Tennessee’s largest business
federation, representing more than 2,200 member companies. Belong, engage, lead,
prosper embodies the Chamber's focus on facilitating community leadership to create
economic prosperity for Middle Tennessee. The work of the Nashville Area Chamber is
supported by membership and sponsors; the Chamber’s Pivotal Partners (a partnership
at the highest level for all Chamber programs and events) are Delek US Holdings, Bass,
Berry & Sims, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Community Health Systems and
Ryan LLC. Together with its affiliates, the Nashville Chamber works to strengthen the
region’s business climate and to enhance Nashville’s position as a desirable place to live,
work and visit.
