New Corrections Report

Rep. Lorber Issues Report on Corrections in Vermont

53 Interviewees’ Voices Heard on Problems, Causes, and Recommendations

Rep. Jason P. Lorber (D-Burlington) today released a broad-based report that gives voice to those dealing with Corrections on a day-to-day basis. The 42-page report provides a vivid picture of a far-ranging set of problems in Corrections, from an insider’s perspective.

“I wanted to hear from the experts,” said Lorber. “So I listened.”

Lorber interviewed 53 stakeholders from Aug. through Dec. 2005, including four probation officers, 16 correctional officers, 12 inmates, the Commissioner of Vermont’s Department of Corrections (DOC), two former DOC commissioners, Vermont’s Attorney General and members of his staff, leaders from two domestic violence agencies, DOC’s director of women’s services, DOC’s head of victim services, the head of a nonprofit agency focusing on foster children, the Vermont State Drug Court Coordinator, and several mental health advocates.

The full report can be viewed at http://www.friendsofjason.org/, along with a 2-page summary.

The report entitled, “53 Voices on Corrections in Vermont,” extensively quotes the interviewees, but without direct attribution in order to encourage a candid and frank discussion of the issues. Lorber asked them their thoughts about Corrections’ problems, their causes, and recommendations for improvement, both short-term, and over a ten-year horizon. Lorber hopes that the report will spark more discussion about some of the state’s most vexing challenges.

Lorber presents dozens of recommendations for change suggested by the interviewees, such as:

• “[Create] more alternatives to jail, like programs in the community.” [page 8]
  
• “Make a commitment to [providing] services to victims.” [page 23]
  
• “Secure enough transitional housing for inmates who are ready to return to society.” [page 28]
  
• “Raise the age of foster care in Vermont to 23.” [page 31]
  
• “Invest in more community-based programs to treat victims of trauma and abuse, and drug addicts.” [page 39]
  
• “Ensure that…mentally disabled inmates [are protected].” [page 37]

Lorber is a freshman legislator representing Burlington’s downtown and the Old North End. He has visited four of Vermont’s nine correctional facilities, attended two statewide corrections meetings, and spent dozens of hours reviewing literature on the state of corrections nationally. This is in addition to the testimony Lorber heard while serving on the House Institutions & Corrections Committee.

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Jason on the move

This was originally written on Nov. 18, 2005

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Yes, I’m on the move. Literally. My partner Nat and I bought our first home on 231 Park Avenue (right near Manhattan Drive). We just moved in last Friday, and we’re madly unpacking boxes as we prepare to host our first Thanksgiving in our new home, when my mother-in-law, two sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, and two adorable nephews come to visit us from Baltimore and Chicago. People tell me that we’re crazy to have house-guests so soon, but hey – it’s a great incentive for us to get settled quickly!

Already some of our neighbors had popped by to say greet us, which is so wonderfully Vermont.

And speaking of wonderfully Vermont, the snow on the ground today is just beautiful, our season’s first here in Burlington. I love the snow.

But before getting too accustomed to winter, let me recap you on what I’ve been up to this past summer and autumn.

It’s been a busy and productive time for me. I did a lot of standup comedy, including gigs at Higher Ground, a fundraiser for the Rutland County Democratic Caucus, and upcoming shows at the Flynn Space, 135 Pearl, and in Waterbury. I also performed in several plays, including “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller, “Tying Up Sandima” by Burlington playwright Maura Campbell, and now finishing up my final weekend of “Glengarry Glen Ross” by Vermont-dwelling David Mamet. Those plays are/were performed at Burlington’s new Waterfront Theater (proudly in my district) – it’s right across the street from the Wyndham Hotel, overlooking Lake Champlain (and we’ve gotten great reviews for all three plays). Plus, I’ve had a couple of TV commercials airing, including a stint as the Tooth Fairy (with the whole costume) promoting dental care in a public service announcement.

Legislatively, I’ve been focusing my attention on Corrections (prisons and jails). In a quest to hear directly from the people most affected by Corrections, I’ve been interviewing dozens of people, including spending a day in jail up in St. Albans; meeting with nine correctional officers, representatives from several victims groups, the attorney general’s office, inmates, Department officials, and many others; and attending a statewide conference on women’s correctional issues. As I’ve interviewed people, I’ve focused on four main questions: (1) What are the problems we face, (2) What are the causes, (3) What are the short-term solutions, and (4) What are the long-term, ten-year solutions. I will be sharing writing up my findings in a report. Stay tuned.

Separately, I worked with VT Speaker of the House Gaye Symington, VT Senate Pro Tem Peter Welch, Rep. Alison Clarkson, Sen. Matt Dunne, and others on calling upon the federal government to offer federal marriage benefits to those of us with Civil Unions. Currently, people with Civil Unions are denied federal inheritance rights, social security survivor benefits, veterans’ benefits for partners and dependents of living or deceased service members, and more than 1,000 other benefits that married couples receive. We were successful in getting the word out about these injustices. You can hear the VPR radio report, or read a transcript of it, at: http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=833325.

On the healthcare front, which remains the Democrats’ top legislative priority, I’ve been actively involved, attending healthcare forums to hear what Vermonters think. What I heard is that Vermonters are frankly fed up. We must have universal healthcare coverage, and we must address the out-of-control costs. I remain committed to this cause.

I’ve been working on several other legislative matters, which I’ll update you about in future emails. The Legislature convenes again in January, and I’m looking forward to it!

Please drop me a line and give me a quick, “Hello.” Or, tell me what you’re up to and what’s on your mind.

Regards,
Jason

Bring Our Troops Home from Iraq

There are times to go to war. There are times to stay at war. And there are times to end a war.

The decision to go to war and to stay at war must rely on clear objectives. The objectives should be achievable, and a plan must be in place to succeed.

Our war in Iraq does not meet these criteria. We have no such plan because our objectives are not clear.

It is clear that Americans continue to be killed. It is clear that families with a solider in Iraq face incredible hardships. It is clear that this war is costing us billions in dollars, and thousands in lives. And it is clear that there is no end in sight.

Why are we there? Originally it was about finding weapons of mass destruction. Then it was about deposing Saddam Hussein. Then it was about fighting terrorism. Then it was about creating a constitution. Then it was about having elections. As the circumstances shift, those arguing that we stay there seem to adjust their stances in order to rationalize the continued failing policy.

Some worry that pulling out our troops will further destabilize the region. But without a clear objective, without defining what is needed to ensure stability, we will never be able to depart. I cannot envision a set of circumstance in which there will ever be enough stability to satisfy the war hawks; they certainly have not articulated what those circumstances would be.

Had we known three years ago that this war would cost us hundreds of billions of dollars and thousands of U.S. lives, Americans would never have accepted the call for war. Looking forward, we must ask what additional human and financial costs America must bear for years to come.

Every day, Vermont men and women serve loyally and honorably in the United States Armed Services. I support them and their commitment to our country. It is time for us to bring them home.