This is the message we'll send to Houston District Attorney Kim Ogg:
Houston DA is threatening life in prison to hurricane survivors who need food
Imagine losing everything you have in a crisis, getting food and supplies to survive and then going to jail for it.
Here is the Petition:
To Kim Ogg, Houston District Attorney:
I join thousands in extreme disappointment to learn that you have taken a stance to harshly prosecute survivors of Hurricane Harvey who steal in the name of survival. During a crisis like this, it is unconscionable that you would increase penalties--threatening life in prison--when so many are just looking for their next meal, water, and other essential necessities.
This "law and order" approach has been proven time and time again to be ineffective at reducing crime, and mostly has the potential to subject families that are already facing the hardest times of their lives with even more hardship. And most definitely will disproportionately affect Black families and communities. I urge you to refuse to prosecute petty offenses like commercial and residential theft during this time and to absolutely rescind any increase of penalties.
The people elected you to bring a new vision to Texas and a turn away from overcriminalization of Black communities. The people put you in the position you are in. And the people can take you back out. Do the right thing. The millions of people suffering as a result of this hurricane are counting on you for it.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]