To the Federal Communications Commission:

We the undersigned are writing to show our support of phone-rate caps for all calls made from America’s prisons, jails and detention facilities. In 2013 the FCC took the courageous step of reforming the high cost of long distance prison phone calls, and now it must do the same for local calls. Ending price gouging by the U.S. prison telephone industry will provide fair pricing to inmates and their loved ones, making our communities safer and our families stronger.

There are 2.7 million children in the United States with an incarcerated parent, and for most a phone call is their only way to maintain a strong relationship. These children and their families should not be punished for trying to stay in contact with their loved ones on the inside. Studies have demonstrated the positive effects these phone calls can have on lowering recidivism and supporting a prisoner's re-entry process once they're released.

We urge the FCC to finish the job by implementing rate caps for all local prison phone calls.

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    Tell the FCC: Keep Families Connected by Making Prison Phone Calls Affordable

    Prison phone rates are astronomical, with the price of a 15-minute phone call soaring above $10 in some states.1,2,3

    Many families simply can’t afford these sky-high rates. For the 2.7 million children with an incarcerated parent, that means forgoing phone calls that could help them maintain healthy relationships. Studies show that regular contact with loved ones helps reduce recidivism. That means less crime, and stronger communities.

    As early as October, the FCC will decide on new protections that could dramatically lower the price of prison phone calls, and open the doors for millions of families to connect without breaking the bank.

    Urge the FCC to end unreasonable prison phone rates.

    1. Campaign for Prison Phone Justice: https://www.prisonphonejustice.org/

    2. Human Rights Defense Center: http://bit.ly/1MVBRFl

    3. “The High Cost of Calling the Imprisoned,” New York Times, March 30, 2015: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/31/us/steep-costs-of-inmate-phone-calls-are-under-scrutiny.html?_r=0