Lock Em' up and Throw Away the Key

Every year in America, 600,000 youth are confined in a jail or prison costing taxpayers anywhere from $40,000 - $70,000 a year per youth.

Every day in America, 4,302 youth are arrested mostly for first-time, drug related violations.

Every three hours in America, a child is killed by a firearm costing taxpayers an estimated $450 billion annually in medical expenses, lost earnings, and victim assistance.

With the White House ready to address this growing issue, we need a proven cost-effective way of reducing youth violence.

We cannot accept the fact that for the first time in the history of the United States more than one in every 100 adults is locked up in jail or prison.

We cannot accept the fact that more than 2.3 million people are behind bars, resulting in the United States now having the largest prison population in the world.

Today, we have an opportunity to make history by supporting the Youth PROMISE Act, federal legislation that would substantially reduce crime, save money, and provide opportunities for countless youth and families across America.

The Youth PROMISE Act invests in our children's future by providing critical resources and services, such as mentoring, job training, and after-school programs for youth and communities most in need.

When we prevent a crime, we stop someone from becoming a victim.

When we prevent a crime, we keep someone in school.

When we prevent crime, we have more money for housing, health care, and jobs.

To assist in raising awareness of the Youth PROMISE Act, I have joined with Congressman Bobby Scott, the author of the bill, Rob Dyrdek, Los Angeles City Councilman Tony Cardenas, Baron Davis, Robin Wright, Newark, NJ Mayor Cory Booker, and a host of others in participating in a viral video in support of this important youth violence prevention legislation.

I ask you to join me and millions of Americans in supporting the Youth PROMISE Act.

The bill makes sense, saves money, and is proven to work.

Join us in making history by contacting your Congressional representatives and making sure that they vote for the Youth PROMISE Act.

You can play a significant role in ensuring that every young person in America has an opportunity to succeed and thrive by signing a petition in support of this historic bill at youthPROMISEaction.org