Article courtesy of the https://cbs6albany.com/
by Liz BishopTuesday, August 9th 2022
ALBANY, NY (WRGB) — The word “inmate” is out in New York State Law, and that decision is getting a lot of attention.
A top political analyst told me Tuesday that Governor Hochul’s decision to substitute the term “incarcerated individuals” for inmates in state law is her way of trying to reconcile issues of justice with issues of safety. But Dr. Lee Miringoff says it’s a delicate balancing act when her opponent Lee Zeldin is accusing her of not being tough enough on crime. Hochul’s critics say she is once again putting the needs of the criminal ahead of the needs of the victim, while those who approve of the change say it gives the prison population a better chance at reintegrating into society.
But, with polls showing New Yorkers have made crime a top voting priority, will it hurt Kathy Hochul in November?
Melanie Trimble of the New York Civil Liberties Union says you can attribute the rise in crime–if there is one–to many factors, like the pandemic and an increase in gun sales. She says the language change helps to dignify–and humanize–people who have done their time.
I mean, there’s anecdotal evidence that recidivism rates are much lower when reentry is a much smoother path for people,” she said.
Dr. Miringoff of Marist College says the Governor has already chosen a clear path on the issue of crime by not bringing the legislature back to deal with bail reform, and he believes she’s banking on this language change helping her with her base in November.
He said, “Crime is not her strong issue. She needs to broaden her discussion beyond law and order. It’s not going to gain her any votes. She’s hoping this action that she’s taking will solidify her base and help with turnout, which is probably her biggest concern right now.”
Trimble argues that using inclusive language that makes those returning to society after a stint in prison feel comfortable is not a heavy lift, and one that will make a real difference in peoples lives.
She said, “You know, we love to label people, and this is a community that is extremely vulnerable. We need to provide them with as many possibilities and hopeful futures as possible.”
Miringoff says Hochul is still in the driver’s seat as we head toward November. He believes she’s thinking that if she wins the election, she can then assess how some of the changes she has made have worked out and then move forward.
Dr. Miringoff also says those who would say she’s not doing enough about crime are already not inclined to vote for her. He says they will hear this news and it will solidify their thinking–which is why, he says, she needs a broader agenda.