Public Defenders Call on the Legislature to Hold the Line on Bail Reform –
We Can’t Go Backwards

(Albany, NY) – The Chief Defenders Association of New York issued the following statement of President Mark Funk:

“Governor Hochul is holding up the state budget to inflict crippling bail reform rollbacks – at the expense of every other policy issue in the state.

The Governor insists on rollbacks that would result in more low-income people deprived of their liberty pretrial, despite clear and overwhelming data that bail reform is working.

Rather than beginning budget negotiations by focusing on solutions that actually work to make our communities safer, like affordable housing, expanding access to mental healthcare and drug treatment, sealing of criminal records, and investments in quality legal representation, she is doubling down on the failed policy of mass incarceration. We can’t go backwards.

The Chief Defenders Association of New York is deeply grateful for the tireless advocacy by our legislative allies in the State Senate and Assembly who are holding the line against harmful rollbacks to bail or discovery reform. New York’s Chief Defenders stand with you.”