Norcross: We’re Starting to Fix Our Broken Criminal Justice System

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) released the following statement on his vote in favor of the Formerly Incarcerated Reenter Society Transformed Safely Transitioning Every Person (FIRST STEP) Act (S.756):

“Today, we’re taking a step in the right direction to fix our broken criminal justice system. With much-needed sentencing reform, we’re finally breaking the pattern of failed policies that led to mass incarcerations and cost taxpayers millions of dollars,” said Congressman Norcross. “My top priorities in Congress are jobs, education and security – and this bill addresses each of these areas. We’re taking a holistic approach to make our communities safer and stronger by decreasing recidivism through education incentives and job training opportunities.”

In 2014, Norcross led a successful, groundbreaking bail reform effort in the New Jersey State Legislature. The bipartisan bill – which received widespread support ranging from the law enforcement community to the NAACP – replaced cash bail with a risk-assessment system.

Since the bail reforms went into effect in January 2017, crime is down in New Jersey and low-income, non-violent offenders aren’t languishing in jail.

Norcross added: “Prior to our reforms, the New Jersey bail system was discriminating against the poor. Incarceration shouldn’t be determined by the size of your wallet – decisions should be based on risk, not resources.”

“The reforms we put in place made our New Jersey system more equitable – and I look forward to continuing to build upon these successes and working with colleagues in Washington on meaningful criminal justice reform that makes our national system fair and effective.”

###