In response to Gov. Mike DeWine’s announcement that the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction will recommend the release of a limited number of pregnant women and elderly people from state prison facilities, the Alliance for Safety and Justice released the following statement from its Ohio State Director, Shakyra Diaz.

The largest criminal justice reform group in the country, Alliance for Safety and Justice (ASJ), and Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice (CSSJ), a national network of over 42,000 crime survivors, called for Florida to take action in support of vulnerable communities to stop the spread of Coronavirus throughout the state. In letters sent to Governor Ron DeSantis on Friday, the groups urged him to deepen support for critical services that vulnerable Floridians rely on to be healthy and safe, while safely reducing unnecessary incarceration as a path to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Leaders with Alliance for Safety and Justice (ASJ) and Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice praised Governor J.B. Pritzker for his leadership in Illinois’ COVID-19 response, while highlighting additional steps that can help protect vulnerable populations to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. The groups especially noted the attention Governor Pritzker has paid to supporting essential health and social services as well as incarcerated individuals.