The following statement was made by Janor Bradshaw, a Texas Organizing Project member and Dallas County resident, in response to county commissioners passing a new contract today with Securus:
“I know we’re one step closer to justice when people, such as myself, who have experienced being locked up will soon be able to call their families and loved ones at a significantly lower cost to them financially.
“Not only was being locked up for more than a year straining for me and my family emotionally, it was also a struggle financially. That year, I was only able to speak with my mother over the phone once. It broke her heart that she couldn’t take my calls because they were too expensive. This absolutely shattered us.
“Making ridiculous amounts of money off people locked up in jail, many of whom are there simply because they are too poor to make bail, is exploitative, plain and simple. This new contract that will drastically bring down the cost of these phone calls is a step in the right direction for Dallas County.
“We appreciate our allies Color Of Change for their support in helping make this community win a reality, and thank Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, as well as Dallas County Commissioners Elba Garcia, John Wiley Price, Theresa Daniel, and J.J. Koch for showing leadership with their votes in favor of this new contract.”
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Texas Organizing Project organizes Black and Latino communities in Dallas, Harris and Bexar counties with the goal of transforming Texas into a state where working people of color have the power and representation they deserve. For more information, visit organizetexas.org.