Release: González-Rojas and Dromm Stand with Criminal Justice Advocates to Defend New York’s Bail Reform

Community United in Rejecting Any Return to Racist Policy Which Put Thousands of Innocent Black and Latino New Yorkers in Jail

Jackson Heights, Queens - Jessica González-Rojas, Democrat for Assembly (NY34), was joined by City Council Member Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) and criminal justice advocates to blast attempts to roll back advancements on bail reform in New York. Although major progress was made last year, New York’s criminal justice system is under attack from reactionary politicians and conservative prosecutors who want to return to an unjust past.

“Bail reform is a vitally necessary reform that impacts so many communities of color and low-income people. Pre-trial detention needlessly puts too many people at risk, said Jessica González-Rojas, Democrat for State Assembly (NY34). “Marginalized populations that cannot afford bail are disproportionately criminalized due to poverty. We stand united against the fear mongering and with our state leaders to maintain the important criminal justice reforms.” 

“People like Harvey Weinstein, who is out on bail, are allowed to wander while people who have a $250 bail for a minor infraction, were not allowed, until this law came into effect, to get out. So these are the injustices that we’re talking about when we’re talking about fighting for bail reform, said Daniel Dromm, City Council Member (D-Jackson Heights). “I am also very concerned about the right-wing forces that are speaking out against the existing law. This is about justice. It is important that we keep the bail reform law as it is now and that there are no changes to the law.”

“Bail reform is a new step forward. Bail reform enables men and women to stay with their kids. It enables them to keep their employment and continue in their communities," said Jon McFarlane, a criminal justice activist at VOCAL-NY. “For too long individuals in Corona, Jackson Heights, and East Elmhurst, have been victimized by law enforcement. This is a human rights issue and we need to stand up for bail reform.”

Although major progress was made last year, New York’s criminal justice system is under attack from Republican politicians, conservative prosecutors, and right-wing ideologues who want to return to the past when communities of color were targeted. Pre-trial detention needlessly puts too many people at risk. Marginalized populations - black and brown people, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ communities - are most often those that cannot afford bail and are disproportionately criminalized due to poverty.  

Jessica González-Rojas is running for the New York State Assembly to be a leader in building power for our community around the issues that most impact our lives. The 34th Assembly District, which encompasses Corona, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, and Woodside, is comprised of a population that is approximately 60% Latino and over 88% people of color. Representation matters. Jessica is a leader who understands the struggles of our community - especially when it comes to criminal justice reforms that have targeted our communities.

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