Incarcerated Minnesotans Now Within Reach of $1200 Stimulus

October 7th, 2020

Incarcerated Minnesotans Now Within Reach of $1200 Stimulus

Statement of Founding Board Member of Ostara Initiative Tommy Franklin

Formerly incarcerated Minnesotans and co-conspirators yesterday organized to ensure all incarcerated Minnesotans are informed of the opportunity for them to receive the $1200 federal stimulus check known as the CARES Act. They have now received the proper forms to file for their economic relief via mail, and we are providing an all volunteer finance team for our people inside to call and get help with filing and understanding the process and stipulations. 

If it was not for a last-minute ruling by the courts, incarcerated people around the country would be deprived of a debt owed to them by the federal government. We need to continue to confront and address the systematic injustice that stems from our incarcerated fellow Minnesotans and beyond being locked out of economic justice, democracy, and more.

MN DOC Commissioner Schell expedited our efforts by sending relevant documents to all inmates. We urge the Commissioner to work toward making sure that there are no barriers to MN DOC inmates receiving their stimulus checks paid in full. This is a great step in easing the economic crisis for those who are too often forgotten.