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Advocates Pushing For Lower Prison Phone Rates

Jim Larrison

Studies show prisoners who stay connected with their families have lower recidivism. 

Yet, the cost of keeping in touch is proving quite high for many.  Prison phone call rates are unregulated.  In Illinois, that's resulted in some hefty bills.  Danielle Chynoweth of Urbana is with the Center for Media Justice, which has worked on this issue nationally.  

"One third of families of the incarcerated went into debt to pay for phone calls and visits alone.  These are people taking out loans to pay their phone calls," Chynoweth said.

Illinois' prison agency says it has negotiated lower rates to $3.55 per minute.  But advocates want the price capped at 5 cents a minute.  The Federal Communications Commission ordered limits as well, but phone companies are challenging that move.  A large portion of the higher phone bills goes to state and local agencies to help cover the cost of security. 

Sean has led the NPR Illinois news operations since the fall of 2009.
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