Monthly Statewide Criminal Justice Reform Call: February 2026

Monthly CJ Statewide Criminal Justice Reform Call Notes

Feb 10, 2026

Please find detailed notes and an overview from February’s Statewide Call. We do not record these calls. Please join the next call for full details. Our next statewide criminal justice reform call will be on March 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM on Zoom. You can register for the monthly calls here. 

Speakers: 

• John Bailey, CT Capitol Group, Lobbyist

• Meg Hourigan (Connecticut Food System Alliance), Coordinator

• Robin Ledbetter (RACCE.net) - Radical Advocates for Cross-Cultural Education) Advocate/Community Organizer

• Amy Zipf, RN, PhD, (Office of Government Accountability) Assistant Correction Ombuds

• Ruthie Gonzalez, (SHOP)

Speakers

John Bailey II, T-Corps Capital Group

• Reported that the Appropriations Committee is hearing corrections to budget explanations.

• Explained that this short session is a strategic setup for the 2027 election cycle.

• Noted that legislators are currently risk-averse and unable to raise individual bills themselves.

• Recommended:

  • Building relationships with committee chairs

  • Developing legislative champions

  • Using this session as a “testing ground” for future reforms

• Discussed the governor’s budget priorities:

  • Proposed $200 per person rebate

  • Potential education cuts

  • Universal free breakfast and lunch proposal

• Emphasized coalition-building and public hearing preparation.

Meg Hourigan, (Connecticut Food System Alliance)

• Shared updates on tracking food-related legislation.

• Announced the development of the Connecticut Food Sovereignty Collective.

• Policy priorities include:

  • Establishing a Connecticut Food Fund

  • Restoring SNAP benefits

  • Securing $10 million in bonding for food resource organizations (currently undistributed)

• Open to collaboration with regenerative farmers and broader network partners.

Robin Ledbetter, (RACCE.net)

• Shared her experience within the justice system.

• Highlighted RACE’s community letter-writing program supporting youth in juvenile facilities.

• Emphasized:

  • Positive reinforcement to youth in juvenile facilities through letter writing and community engagement

  • Intervention strategies

  • Employment support for returning citizens

• Announced upcoming events in February and May.

Ruthie Gonzalez (SHOP)

• Provided updates on upcoming SHOP meetings.

• Shared poll results on issues affecting older adults.

• Highlighted the success of older adult-led organizing efforts in Hartford, including Capital Towers Outreach victories in research and direct action.

Amy Zipf, RN, PhD, (Office of Government Accountability)

• Recently appointed, focused on collecting concerns from incarcerated individuals and families.

• Discussed the upcoming Ombudsman report.

• Explained the DOC custody death investigation process:

  • DOC investigation

  • Office of the Inspector General review

  • Ombudsman review for policy compliance

• Expressed interest in:

  • Collaborating with Robin to improve equal access for incarcerated individuals

  • Addressing gender-specific challenges in corrections

• Highlighted the importance of awareness and accountability.

Diana Martinez (Chicks Ahoy Farm Inc)

• Co-opened the meeting and addressed organizational development challenges.

• Provided a FreeCT campaign update, focusing on:

  • Eliminating a SNAP application question regarding probation/parole violations.

  • Reintroducing legislation to eliminate incarceration for non-criminal technical violations.

• Reported engagement with Human Services and Judiciary Committees.

• Noted progress in meetings with key legislators

Thanks to all of our presenters for their outstanding work. Our next statewide criminal justice reform call will take place on Tuesday, March 10th, at 11:00 AM on Zoom. You can register for the monthly calls here. If you would like to present on future Statewide Calls, please email operations@chickahoyfarm.org.