Civil and Human Rights Coalition Applauds FCC Step to Cap Predatory Prison Phone Rates for Families

Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will consider a rule to cap the predatory phone rates charged to the families of prisoners:

“We applaud the FCC for taking the first step toward eliminating predatory long-distance telephone rates for incarcerated people and their families.  We look forward to the Commission’s prompt consideration of the record and rapid adoption of a fair rule.  Until the FCC takes the next step to adopt a rule, families will be bearing the burden of predatory phone rates, which is particularly difficult during the holiday season. Today’s step is the result of a combined effort of families around the country, progressives, conservatives, and Washington advocates, along with the dedicated leadership within the FCC.”