Massachusetts Republicans speak out against $20 million bill funding free prisoners’ phone calls

Republican lawmakers in Massachusetts are speaking out against a new bill that would provide $20 million in funding to provide prisoners with free phone calls.

The Communications Access Trust Fund, established as part of the $49.6 billion state budget plan, is part of an effort to keep prisoners in communication with their loved ones while incarcerated, as studies have shown that speaking to inmates regularly can reduce their chances of reoffense. 

In 2020, the Keep Families Connected Coalition reported prisoners’ families were spending an average of $24 million a year to speak to their loved ones while incarcerated. The trust fund would put $20 million toward providing free phone calls for Massachusetts inmates and their loved ones.

Republicans are railing against the move, saying it flies in the face of Massachusetts residents who are struggling to afford high gas prices and rising inflation. Especially infuriating, according to some, is the fact that the budget plan fails to include tax breaks pushed by Governor Charlie Baker.

“It shows their disdain and contempt for the taxpayers,” said Chip Ford, Citizens for Limited Taxation executive director. “All this surplus piling up and they still refuse to give any of it back? Why?”

“It’s bonkers,” said MassFiscal’s Paul Craney. “They want to give inmates free phone calls while Massachusetts motorists are stuck with high gas prices.”

Speaker Ron Mariano’s office issued a statement in defense of the prison phone call bill, saying it addresses issues “underpinning our middle and lower class workforce,” Politico reported. The $20 million in seed funding will help “remove barriers to communication services for incarcerated persons and their loved ones.”

The tax cuts proposed by the Governor are still “in review” by committee, according to Mariano’s office.