Organizations advocating for two controversial pieces of New York parole legislation have received more than $7 million from billionaire George Soros's Open Society Foundations, according to recent reports. Critics of the proposed bills warn that they could significantly alter the state's parole system, potentially making it easier for some of New York's most infamous convicted murderers, such as "Son of Sam" killer David Berkowitz, to secure release.
"Personally, I am terrified at the prospect of the Son of Sam walking the streets once more." — Wendy Savino, Crime Victim.
Since 2016, Open Society Foundations records indicate that at least $7.1 million has been directed to eight organizations that are part of "The People's Campaign for Parole Justice." This coalition is actively lobbying the New York Legislature to advance two specific parole reform bills. The campaign asserts that these legislative efforts are essential to address what it identifies as overly harsh sentencing laws and systemic racial inequities within New York's correctional system.
However, opponents of the legislation contend that the proposed bills would dangerously compromise public safety by weakening existing parole standards. They argue that these measures could allow individuals convicted of violent crimes, including murder, to become eligible for parole hearings and potential release much sooner than is currently possible under state law.
One of the key proposals is the "Elder Parole bill." This legislation would grant parole eligibility to inmates who are at least 55 years old and have served a minimum of 15 years of their sentence, irrespective of the original crime's severity. The second proposal, known as the "Fair and Timely Parole bill," seeks to shift the primary focus of parole boards. Under this bill, boards would be required to prioritize an inmate's current threat to public safety, rather than giving substantial weight to the nature and circumstances of their original offense.
Supporters of these reforms argue that they would acknowledge an individual's rehabilitation efforts and contribute to a reduction in excessive incarceration rates. Conversely, critics maintain that the measures would effectively open the door for notorious criminals to be set free.
David Berkowitz, who committed a series of murders in New York City during 1976-77, killing six people, is currently 72 years old and incarcerated at Shawangunk Correctional Facility, serving a 25-years-to-life sentence. He has been denied parole on 12 previous occasions. Under the proposed legislation, critics express concern that offenders like Berkowitz, along with others such as Mark David Chapman, the killer of John Lennon, and convicted police officer murderer David McClary, could have enhanced opportunities to obtain parole.
The funding flow shows Soros's Open Society Foundations providing millions to member organizations affiliated with The People's Campaign for Parole Justice, rather than directly to the campaign itself. Notable recipients include FWD.us, which reportedly received $3.2 million; VOCAL New York, which received $1.7 million; and the Legal Aid Society, which was granted approximately $1.6 million.
The debate has ignited strong reactions from victims and law enforcement advocacy groups. Jason Savino, whose mother survived being shot by Berkowitz in 1976, publicly criticized Soros for his financial support of organizations pushing these legislative changes. "He is protected from what goes on in the street, and he uses his immense wealth — instead of for the betterment of society — to victimize everybody else," Savino stated. His mother, Wendy Savino, who continues to experience medical complications from the decades-old attack, expressed her profound dismay that lawmakers are even considering such measures. "Personally, I am terrified at the prospect of the Son of Sam walking the streets once more," she commented.
Reports indicate that the legislation has gained traction in the New York Senate, though it still faces considerable opposition in the Assembly, as reported by the New York Post. New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) has consistently refrained from commenting on whether she would sign or veto the bills should they reach her desk.
This escalating controversy in New York also underscores a broader national discussion surrounding criminal justice reform initiatives backed by George Soros and his affiliated organizations. Soros has allocated tens of millions of dollars to support progressive prosecutors, sentencing reforms, and policies aimed at reducing prison populations across the United States. Critics of these national efforts argue that such policies have contributed to an increase in crime rates and a decline in public safety. Conversely, proponents insist that these reforms are crucial for addressing issues of mass incarceration and racial disparities prevalent in the justice system.
