This summer many families will hop in the car for a trip to the beach or to the nearby park. For families with an incarcerated loved one, staying in touch could mean choosing between food, clothing and critical relationships. This is because prison phone rates are out of control, with local 15-minute phone calls costing up to $25 in some states. For the 2.7 million children with an incarcerated parent, this often means losing essential relationships. In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus reminds us to treat those in prison as we would Jesus, "As you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters, so you did it to me."

A new bipartisan bill in Congress would re-establish federal authority to provide the same consumer protection to communication in prisons, jails, and detention centers as there is outside of those facilities and will bring down the cost of these calls.

The bill is named in honor of Mrs. Martha-Wright Reed, a Black woman who fought for affordable prison phone rates for over 20 years to remain in contact with her incarcerated grandson. Tell your senators to support the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2019.

From United Church of Christ, Justice & Peace Action Network