[Peace] Please call GOVERNOR QUINN on Tamms reform

[Barbara kessel]

Please call Governor Quinn on May 13 or May 14 and tell him to either:
"Reform Tamms Supermax or Cut Its Funding."

--Taxpayer money should not be spent on torture or on policies that
violate international human rights standards.
--Long-term isolation induces or worsens mental illness, and increases
recidivism. Mental health treatment works, Tamms doesn't.
--Prisoners do not have to be kept in long-term solitary confinement
to be kept secure. Isolation is not a solution!
--Tamms is the most expensive prison per capita in the state of
Illinois--between $60,000 and $90,000 per year. That is 3-5 times the
cost at other prisons. Ask Governor Quinn what he thinks Illinois
taxpayers are getting for our money.

Finally, ask Governor Quinn to sponsor HB 2633, sponsored by Rep.
Julie Hamos, which will prohibit seriously mentally ill men from being
housed in Tamms, and will establish clear criteria for transfers to
and from the supermax.
One-third of the prisoners at Tamms have been held in cold storage for
the past 11 years. This torture must end.
Tie up the phones!  Please contact the Governor on Wednesday, May 13
or Thursday, May 14 and tell him:  "Reform Tamms Supermax or Cut Its
Funding." Make sure you leave your name and address so they write it
down and see that calls are coming from all over the state. Ask for a
call-back.

Office of the Governor in Springfield: 217-782-0244
Office of the Governor in Chicago: 312-814-2121