The New York State budget is due April 1, and one of the hot topics is “Raise the Age” legislation. New York and North Carolina are the only two states that prosecute 16- and 17-year-old offenders as adults. For five years, the issue has divided parties in the state Senate. Those in favor of raising the age of criminal liability to 18 say youth offenders put in adult prisons are more likely to re-offend, experience mental health issues, and be physically harmed in prison. Opponents say raising the age promotes a culture of leniency regarding juvenile criminals. We discuss both sides of the issue and the fate of “Raise the Age.” Our guests: Jerry Ingram, minister at First Unitarian Church of Rochester , who was arrested when he was 17 Michael Tomb, member of Facing Race, Embracing Equity Jon Greenbaum, organizer for Roc/ACTS
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