First hour: Understanding New York’s bail reform laws
Second hour: Previewing the 2019 Gateways Music Festival
Activists seeking bail reform in New York State are celebrating what they call a major victory. During this past legislative session, state lawmakers voted to end the use of cash bail for many lower-level offenses, and limit its use for more serious crimes. In the past, some people who were charged with misdemeanors could spend many days in jail because they couldn’t cover the bail. Reform groups say that system was discriminatory, and the overhaul of the cash bail system is both bold and progressive. A new study shows the move will lead to a significant reduction in the state’s pretrial jail population – at least 40 percent. But, there is opposition to the changes. Some members of law enforcement have concerns, especially when it comes to repeat offenders. Jeremy Moule reported on the reforms in a cover story for City newspaper titled “Forfeiting Bail.” He joins us to break down the laws, what the changes mean for the criminal justice system, and more. We also talk with local attorneys who help us understand how the changes will impact the people they serve. In studio:
- Jeremy Moule, staff writer for City Newspaper
- Tim Donaher, Monroe County Public Defender
- Danielle Ponder, musician and attorney
- Aaron Frazier, attorney with Harris Beach
Then in our second hour, the Gateways Music Festival is back. The six-day festival that celebrates and supports classical musicians of African descent kicks off on Tuesday in Rochester. Nationwide, less than two percent of orchestra members are African American. Gateways organizers say they hope their programming will inspire underrepresented musicians and audience members to seek out classical music. They join us to preview the festival and its music. In studio:
- Lee Koonce, president and artistic director of the Gateways Music Festival
- James Norman, president of the Gateways Music Festival Board of Directors
- Herb Smith, trumpeter with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and member of the Artistic Programs Committee for the Gateways Music Festival
