March 13, 2017

Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo

Governor of New York State
New York State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224

Re: Support for Raise the Age

Dear Governor Cuomo:

The State of New York is one of only two remaining states that continue to prosecute 16-and 17-
year-olds as adults. This is detrimental both to the youth in the justice system and to public safety
at large.

The only other state that continues this widely discredited policy is North Carolina, and even
North Carolina has introduced a Raise the Age bill.

The research is clear. Youth in adult prisons are more likely to be physically and sexually
assaulted than in youth rehabilitative facilities. Recidivism of youth who have been placed in
adult prisons is higher than if they are sent to youth rehabilitative facilities. Further, youth sent to
adult prisons are increasingly likely to commit more serious crimes when they reoffend.
Additionally, youth are far more likely to commit suicide in adult facilities as compared to youth
facilities.

We must catch up with the rest of the United States of America and pass legislation that reforms
the way we rehabilitate our young people in a way that is compassionate, fair, and forward
thinking.
Please contact the Office of Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams if you have any
questions.

Sincerely,

Eric L. Adams Gale Brewer Ruben Diaz Jr.

Brooklyn Borough President Manhattan Borough President Bronx Borough President

ELA/rl

cc. State Senator John J. Flanagan, Temporary President and Majority Leader
State Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, Senate Coalition Leader
Assembly Member Carl E. Heastie, Speaker