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PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Darren Mack, Co-Director of Freedom Agenda, on NYC Budget and Rikers Island

9:23:26

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139 sec

Darren Mack, Co-Director of Freedom Agenda, testifies against Mayor Adams' proposed budget cuts to alternatives to incarceration (ATI) and reentry programs while increasing funding for correction officers. He argues that this approach contradicts evidence-based practices and the preferences of crime survivors.

  • Mack criticizes the proposal to cut $11.8 million from ATI and reentry programs while allocating $150 million to hire 1,100 more correction officers.
  • He cites a survey showing that 75% of NYC crime survivors prefer alternatives to incarceration and mental health treatment over jail.
  • Mack calls on the City Council to restore and increase funds for ATI and reentry programs to facilitate the closure of Rikers Island.