Assemblyman David DiPietro (R,C,I-East Aurora) is sounding the alarm on another program pushed by state Majority to provide free phone calls, emails, and postage to prison inmates during the COVID-19 pandemic. DiPietro is furious that while millions of people are struggling to make ends meet and hundreds of thousands can’t get through to unemployment, the focus of Majority politicians is to fast-track inmate communications.

“I am simply appalled, “DiPietro said. “We need to be helping taxpayers, not criminals, especially during a time like this. Families are worrying about their future, trying to see if they can keep their businesses afloat, or struggling to keep food on the table. Last time I checked; prisoners don’t have to worry where their three-square meals are coming from. Help the people trying to pay their mortgage or maintain the business they just started. It’s honestly a disgrace that this is what the Majority wants to focus on during the pandemic.”