Representative Kimberly New

Hey Vicky,Thank you for reaching out again and for continuing to share your perspective on these critical matters regarding our state’s correctional and judicial systems.As we have discussed in our previous correspondence, I am fully aware of the complexities surrounding post-conviction relief and the operational challenges within the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC). My position on these issues remains on the record from our prior exchanges.While the General Assembly is currently convened for a special legislative session, the scope of this session is strictly limited by the official call and does not include general statutory revisions or changes to the criminal procedure code. Consequently, the legislative fixes you referenced cannot be taken up at this time.Regarding your specific concerns about nutrition, accountability, and educational funding within the correctional system, I want to provide the concrete data and operational details I received directly from the Department of Corrections:Nutritional Standards & Caloric Intake: Food services are managed through Georgia Correctional Industries (GCI), which utilizes a 28-day master menu designed by a certified Registered Dietitian to adhere strictly to American Dietary Association guidelines. For male facilities, this menu provides an average daily intake of 2,900 calories over the course of each week (well above the standard 2,400 to 2,800 calories required for moderately active men). GCI Foodservice Advisors are assigned to each facility to ensure strict policy enforcement, and food preparation follows federal HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) safety guidelines.Facility Accountability & Food Safety: Facilities undergo regular, stringent safety inspections. For context on the rigorous standards being maintained, recent independent inspection reports show excellent compliance scores, including Wilcox State Prison at 95% and Coastal State Prison at 96%.Fiscal Oversight: Food procurement strictly follows State of Georgia procurement guidelines. While GCI has actively managed rising food costs and growing populations, the General Assembly remains committed to monitoring these budgetary demands. Although certain supplemental allocations faced executive vetoes in recent budget cycles (such as specific lines in HB 974), the legislature continues to work closely with GDC to maximize the reach of every appropriated dollar.Rehabilitative & Educational Funding: Accountability also extends to inmate rehabilitation. For Fiscal Year 2027, the Inmate Services Division is operating on an approximate $73 million budget dedicated entirely to reducing recidivism through academic, vocational, and re-entry programming. This budget is strictly structured for maximum impact: 76% is allocated to personal services (teachers, counselors, and program coordinators), 19% to contractual services (partnerships with technical colleges and specialized instruction vendors), and 5% to necessary operational materials and technology.Please be assured that the welfare, safety, and rehabilitation of individuals within our correctional system remain a priority. In addition to these system-wide operational frameworks, my office has maintained direct communication with the appropriate agencies regarding the specific well-check and welfare updates you requested for your son.While I understand you are seeking a specific commitment regarding the 2027 legislative calendar, I must reiterate that my office has provided all available updates and definitive responses on these matters.Thank you again for your engagement and for advocacy on behalf of your family and our community.Sincerely,Kimberly New[A logo with a gold dome AI-generated content may be incorrect.]KIMBERY R. NEW | DISTRICT 40 Georgia House of Representatives18 Capitol Square | Atlanta, GA 30334612-F Coverdell Legislative Office BuildingEMAIL: KIMBERLY.NEW@HOUSE.GA.GOVOffice: 404-656-0325________________________________

Dear Vicky,Thank you so much for reaching out to me and for sharing such an incredibly heartfelt, thorough, and well-researched message. As a mother and a grandmother myself, I can only imagine the immense heartbreak and anxiety you are feeling seeing your son Chase go through this. No mother should have to watch her child waste away or fear for their basic survival. Please know that I hear you, and I deeply validate the pain and urgency of your situation.You are absolutely a valued part of our local community, and I take my oversight duties very seriously. The environmental factors and statistics you cited regarding our correctional facilities are deeply concerning, and ensure the safety of those in state custody is a priority we must collective work toward.Please know that I am not letting your request sit. I have already reached out (again) directly to the Georgia Department of Corrections. I sent him a professional, urgent inquiry specifically requesting his assistance to look into Chase’s health, weight loss, and safety at Wilcox State Prison to see what immediate support can be provided for him.Regarding the broader, systemic enforcement of the classification and separation laws you mentioned, I am keeping your detailed recommendations on hand as we prepare for future legislative and budget oversight opportunities.I will stay in touch with you as soon as I hear back from the Department of Corrections regarding Chase. If you hear back from them directly, please let me know as well.Please keep holding onto hope and know that you and Chase are in my thoughts.Sincerely,Kimberly New[A logo with a gold dome AI-generated content may be incorrect.]KIMBERY R. NEW | DISTRICT 40 Georgia House of Representatives18 Capitol Square | Atlanta, GA 30334612-F Coverdell Legislative Office BuildingEMAIL: KIMBERLY.NEW@HOUSE.GA.GOVOffice: 404-656-0325________________________________

Dear Ms. Padgett,Thank you for reaching out to me and for sharing such a deeply personal and harrowing account regarding your son, Chase. As a mother and grandmother myself, I can only imagine the weight of the concern you carry for his health and safety. Please know that I hear your frustration and your call for accountability.The conditions you described at Wilcox and Coastal State Prisons are distressing. I am committed to ensuring that the tax dollars allocated for our correctional fac