Following a panel event and movie screening in Sacramento, NextGen America today launched its campaign to support bail reform in California. NextGen put up two digital billboards off of I-5 in Sacramento and launched a $70,000 digital ad buy across the state, featuring a 30-second spot narrated by Dr. Yusef Salaam, a member of the falsely accused and imprisoned, “Central Park Five.” The ads highlight some of the injustices attributed to California’s current money bail system and call on Californians to learn more.
“Every human being should have the right to equal opportunity and the ability to lead a dignified life,” said NextGen America President Tom Steyer. “Not only does our current money bail system fail poor people and people of color by placing irreversible burdens on them, it does nothing to keep our communities safer. It’s time to stop using prisons as a way to make profits, and start finding solutions that will move our society forward — and that starts with ending money bail in California.”
On Monday at the Crest Theater in Sacramento, Steyer moderated a panel discussion with criminal justice reform experts on the need for bail reform in California. Steyer, Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen, Anti-Recidivism Coalition Board Member Jocelyn Wright, Senior Fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice Jim Johnson, and Executive Director of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights Zachary Norris discussed bail reform legislation and how ending California’s money bail system will make our criminal justice system fairer and California communities safer.
The event in Sacramento and NextGen’s advertising campaign are part of an effort to educate Californians and legislators in Sacramento about the need to reform the money bail system. Last year, NextGen partnered with the Anti-Recidivism Coalition to organize the Imagine Justice concert, where Steyer spoke to attendees about the need for bail reform.
In California, the median cost of bail is $50,000 and nearly one-in-three people jailed in California are never found guilty of a crime. The California State Legislature is currently negotiating the details of SB 10 — a bill to reform the state’s money bail system. NextGen will continue to educate Californians across the state and work with partners to mobilize Californians to urge their representatives in Sacramento to pass meaningful bail reform this year.
NextGen America
Founded originally as NextGen Climate by businessperson and philanthropist Tom Steyer in 2013, NextGen America acts politically to prevent climate disaster, promote prosperity, and protect the fundamental rights of every America.
CONTACT: NGA Press Office, 415-802-2423
or press@nextgenamerica.org
