Today the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the Build Back Better Act, a sweeping economic package that would invest in American families and communities. The Vera Institute of Justice issued the following statement:

“As with the American Rescue Plan, the Build Back Better Act has potential to provide much-needed investment in populations that have long been failed by our broken and outdated systems, and in turn, foster safer, thriving communities. The plan provides $5 billion in critical funding for community-based violence intervention (CVI) strategies, key investments in reentry programs for formerly incarcerated people and much-needed protections for immigrants. The Build Back Better Act is an important step forward in committing to evidence-based solutions to prevent gun violence and save millions of dollars from decreases in crime and investing in our communities to make them stronger.

Vera applauds the number of BIPOC organizations that have been working for years to reduce violence in their communities and providing a framework for the federal government to be responsive to their communities’ needs. We also applaud the growing coalition of Black leaders and other leaders of color who pushed the Biden administration and demonstrated the importance of investing in evidence-based solutions that are a powerful alternative to the social costs of overpolicing. We will continue to support the movement to execute antiracist, comprehensive policies that make communities safer.”

About the Vera Institute of Justice
The Vera Institute of Justice is powered by hundreds of advocates, researchers, and activists working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems until they’re fair for all. Founded in 1961 to advocate for alternatives to money bail in New York City, Vera is now a national organization that partners with impacted communities and government leaders for change. We develop just, antiracist solutions so that money doesn’t determine freedom; fewer people are in jails, prisons, and immigration detention; and everyone is treated with dignity. Vera’s headquarters is in Brooklyn, New York, with offices in Washington, DC, New Orleans, and Los Angeles. For more information, visit vera.org.