What’s happening: Elected officials in Alabama are planning to use $400 million in federal COVID relief “lost revenue” funds to build three new prisons. While using these particular funds for prison construction does not appear to be prohibited under current federal guidelines, it is a gross misuse of COVID relief funds that would expand mass incarceration while diverting $400 million from investments in actual community needs.

Why it matters: If Alabama is permitted to get away with using hundreds of millions of federal COVID relief funds on prison construction, it will set a dangerous precedent that other states are sure to follow. What is happening in Alabama right now has dire implications for people living in states across the country.

What we’re trying to accomplish: We (a coalition of community organizations in Alabama) are asking Members of Congress and the Biden Administration to take action. We want to see federal guidance issued making it crystal clear that NO federal relief funds may be spent by any state on building prisons.  

How you can help: We are calling upon allies near and far to speak up about this impending catastrophe. Please use this online portal to send a letter to your Members of Congress and to Biden Administration officials asking them to guarantee that no federal relief funds are spent to build prisons. Once you fill in your information here and click the "Start Writing" button, you will be taken to the next page, where you'll add a few more pieces of information and prepare your letter. The whole thing can be done in 60 seconds or less, and further instructions are at the top of the next page!