BALTIMORE RAVENS

November 26, 2018

The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Majority Leader

United States Senate

8?230 US. Capitol

Washington, DC 20510

Re: Support for the First Step Act
Dear Majority Leader McConnell:

The undersigned players and executives of the Baltimore Ravens write to voice our support
for the First Step Act, a bill which has the potential to bring transforrnative and much needed change
to our criminal justice system. Criminal justice reform is an issue that deeply affects our community
in Baltimore, as well as the nation as a whole. Not only will this legislation strengthen our nation?s
criminal justice system, but it enjoys the backing of an incredibly diverse group of supporters.

The First Step Act addresses some of the most pressing needs in the effort to reform our
criminal justice system. First, the bill gives greater discretion to federal judges to depart from
mandatory minimum sentences for individuals with limited criminal backgrounds, and extends relief
to those serving sentences that are now obsolete due to already?enacted sentencing reforms.
Second, the bill aims to strengthen the rehabilitative capacity of our prisons by ensunng individuals
are matched with the right services while incarcerated and are placed in prisons close to their families
and loved ones. Third, the bill would provide assistance to individuals recently released from
incarceration by authorizing funding for education and vocational training programs as well as
improving access to mental health services. These reforms will reduce recidivism and make our
communities safer in the process.

That is why we were pleased to see a comparable bill pass the House of Representatives with
overwhelming and bipartisan support earlier this year. Now, an improved bill has been introduced in
the United States Senate, where it enjoys similarly strong bipartisan support. As Senate Majority
leader, you alone have the ability to allow the will of the Senate to work on this legislation. We strongly
encourage you to do so.

There are few issues today that bring together large, politically and culturally diverse portions
of our country. And yet two weeks ago at the White House, President Trump presided over just such
moment, with police officers, religious leaders, advocates for civil liberties, Republicans and
Democrats alike, all coming together to support the First Step Act.

1 Winning Drive - Owings Mills, Maryland 21117 - phone 410.701.4000

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell
November 26, 2018
Page 2 of 4

We call on you to follow the President?s lead by respectfully requesting that you bring the First
Step Act to the Senate ?oor and allow a vote today.

Sincerely,

    
 
    

President:

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Mzhard W. Cass

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General Counsel:

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Vice President of Public Relations:


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Director of Community Relations:

    

 

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We Sr.

1 Winning Drive - Owings Mills, Maryland 21117 - phone 410.701.4000

Senate Majority Leader lViitch McConnell
November 26, 2018
Page 3 of 4

 

Chris Moore

 

 

 

Cc: Senator Ben Cardin
Senator Chris Van Hollen

Senator Chuck Grassley
Senator Dianne Feinstein
Senator Orrin G. Hatch
Sena tor Patrick Leahy
Senator Lindsey Graham
Senator Dick Durbin
Senator John Cornyn
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
Senator Michael S. Lee
Senator Amy Klobuchar
Senator Ted Cruz

Senator Christopher A. Coons
Senator Ben Sasse

Senator Richard Blumenthal
Senator Jeff Flake

Senator Mazie Hirono
Senator Mike Crapo

Senator Cory Booker

1 Winning Drive - Owings Mills, Maryland 21117 - phone 410.701.4000

Senate Majority Leader lV?tCh McConne?
November 26, 2018
Page 4 of 4

Senator Thorn Tillis
Senator Kamala Harris
Senator John Kennedy

1 Winning Drive - Owings Mills, Maryland 21117 0 phone 410.701.4000