MA Legislature Criminal Justice Reform Caucus Highlights Progress on Clemency Reform

Caucus encouraged by recent pardons recommended by the Governor’s Office

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Legislature Criminal Justice Reform Caucus (CJRC), co-chaired by State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough) and State Representative Mary Keefe (D-Worcester), celebrated the recent announcement from Governor Maura Healey that she would recommend seven individuals to the Governor’s Council for pardons. Just five months into her term in office, Governor Healey is the first Massachusetts Governor in over thirty years to recommend pardons in their first elected year. Governor Healey’s recommendation of seven pardons is also the most recommended by a Governor in their first year in over forty years.

The CJRC, which meets to carry out important discussions about the state of the Commonwealth’s criminal justice system and seeks to educate legislators and staff on criminal justice issues, is enthusiastic about the Governor’s decision to recommend these seven individuals for pardons. The individuals recommended for a pardon include a veteran, a social worker, and numerous volunteers with strong ties to their communities. The pardons would forgive the offender’s underlying offenses which violated state law.

“I am extremely grateful for Governor Healey’s extraordinary and unprecedented action in swiftly recommending these seven individuals for pardons, which will allow these individuals to continue uplifting and bettering their communities,” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough). “I am encouraged by Governor Healey’s willingness to engage with criminal justice reform matters head on, and I look forward to working with the Governor and the caucus on these vital issues.” 

“I congratulate those seven individuals recommended for pardon - your long and undue suffering is at a close and may you continue to be examples of courage and perseverance to your communities,” said State Representative Mary Keefe (D-Worcester). “Governor Healeys’s own courage in taking this step so early in her first term is worthy of immense praise. As a Caucus, we look forward to supporting and working with her on other criminal justice reform issues - as she eloquently stated in her announcement - ‘whenever justice so requires,’”

The CJRC has highlighted a number of priority bills in the 193rd General Court aimed at broad reforms of the criminal justice system — focusing on topics such as parole, prison conditions, and oversight in correctional facilities.

For more information about the Criminal Justice Reform Caucus, including the latest information on caucus members and priority bills, visit cjreformma.com. 

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