Criminal justice reform is a multi-faceted issue. Reducing mass incarceration while supporting those who are currently incarcerated is a top priority for me. We must move towards de-careration through diversion programs, bail and parole reform, and changes to discriminatory sentencing laws. But that doesn’t happen overnight, and while we do that important work I am pushing for stronger supports for those who are currently incarcerated. Police brutality and racial justice are woven into this, as we work to dismantle centuries of racist policies.

Justice-Involved Women

Issue
Women involved in the criminal justice system have complex needs and face different challenges than men. Approaches taken by penal institutions are often tailored to men, leaving the unique needs of women behind. Taking approaches that focus on trauma, family relationships, parenting, education, and mental health lower rates of recidivism, improve public safety, and better support women before, during, and after incarceration—and can keep women from entering the system initially.

Christine’s Plan
As Co-Chair of the MA Caucus of Women Legislators Task Force on Justice Involved Women, I work with organizations supporting currently- and formerly-incarcerated women to make policy addressing the specific needs of women in the justice system. This includes pushing for trauma-informed programming, access to adequate physical and mental health care, educational opportunities, and the ability for incarcerated women to continue to parent their children and stay connected to their communities. I also work to create strong diversion programs and post-release supports, to help keep women out of the criminal justice system and support them when they return home.

Racial Justice & Police Reform

Issue
Racism, police brutality, and white supremacy run rampant in our nation, in our state, and in our communities. We lawmakers must be actively anti-racist, and we must actually listen to the needs of Black and Brown families in Medford & Somerville.

Christine’s Plan

I voted to pass the recent omnibus police reform bill, An Act Relative to Justice, Equity and Accountability in Law Enforcement in the Commonwealth. Championed by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, this bill will create an independent certification system to investigate misconduct and excessive use of force, update police training, strengthen use of force standards including banning chokeholds, and assess the role of race in state institutions. While these issues ultimately failed on a roll call vote, I also fought to include stronger limits on qualified immunity, a ban on tear gas, and restrictions on local law enforcement from acquiring military-grade equipment in the bill. This bill is just the beginning to dismantle structural racism and rethink public safety, and I will continue to listen to and work with Black and brown activists, community members, and legislators while fighting for racial justice.