Elaine Burdeshaw, MSW

Novice Tweeter. Policy @AlaAppleseed. Social Worker. Graduate of @north_alabama and @UofAlabama. Lifetime Alabamian working to make Alabama better.

[Elaine Burdeshaw, MSW @esburdeshaw]

This session gave me so much hope. I’m disappointed we couldn’t get it over the finish line, but I’m so proud of what we did.

[Alabama Appleseed @AlaAppleseed]

This year, we saw undeniable progress toward more hope & compassion for those serving harsh sentences in Alabama. HB229, the Second Chance bill, passed the full House AND the Senate Judiciary Committee. We almost made it over the finish line & we will not give up. #alpolitics

[Leah Nelson @leahanelson]

TL;DR: favorable report for HB29, creating a limited pathway for people like my colleague Ron here to petition for release after serving 24 years!!!

[Chris England @RepEngland70]

So, we are back again this session! In the interim, @AlaAppleseed conducted a poll done by Cygnal that showed that 88% of Alabama voters favor second chance legislation, with 86% of Alabama Republicans and 92% of Democrats in support of the idea. https://t.co/iEZKjtew1I

[Elaine Burdeshaw, MSW @esburdeshaw]

#alpolitics

[Chris England @RepEngland70]

HB29, the Second Chance Bill, will be in House Judiciary today. I am honored to be the sponsor of such important legislation. Last session, with bipartisan support, this bill almost became law. Check out this video to see why this bill means so much.

https://t.co/BAOCaroOhQ

[Alabama Appleseed @AlaAppleseed]

Ron, Lee & Joe share stories of hope, redemption & second chances. Support HB29, a bill that would grant judges the authority to review the old cases of those sentenced to Life without Parole for crimes with no physical injury. https://t.co/lvcEq4DiGd.

[Elaine Burdeshaw, MSW @esburdeshaw]

Celebrated justice last night with @AlaAppleseed and celebrated Alabama journalism today with @JohnArchibald and @WarOnDumb. Standing room only at both. We love to see it!👏🏻

[Carla Crowder @CarlaCrowder12]

“They lose hope, then their behavior inside the facilities are going to start being behavior that we don’t need.”Straight from the top at ADOC how constant parole denials make prisons less safe. Thanks for the honesty, Commissioner Hamm. https://t.co/KHxuU01R3N

[Leah Nelson @leahanelson]

“Antisemitism is another flavor of hatred that is experienced by many communities in Alabama," Nelson said. "We all need to be stepping back and thinking about how we’re treating & talking about each other & especially talking & thinking about people who are different from us.”

[Alabama Appleseed @AlaAppleseed]

This week we’re celebrating two years of freedom for client Joe Bennett! Once sentenced to die in prison, Joe shares his enthusiasm, joy, and wisdom with all he meets, whether on the job cutting trees, at his church, on the radio, or anywhere really. Congrats Joe!!

[Elaine Burdeshaw, MSW @esburdeshaw]

Oof. #alpolitics

[Alabama Appleseed @AlaAppleseed]

The final amount is in. The State of Alabama will spend $1.082 billion for a new prison, the most expensive prison ever built in the United States. $270,500 per bed.

[Elaine Burdeshaw, MSW @esburdeshaw]

Mr. Cheeks just turned 81. He was supposed to be in prison. Now he’s at the zoo. We love to see it! #secondchances

[Carla Crowder @CarlaCrowder12]

Happy birthday to Robert Cheeks, a reader of National Geographic, a lover of burgers, a singer of all things ‘70s (but his Fleetwood Mac is especially good), a spreader of joy.

[Alabama Appleseed @AlaAppleseed]

#❤️

[Leah Nelson @leahanelson]

"I've seen wrists getting slit. I've had inmates die in my arms" ... "I wouldn't wish prison on my worst enemy because of what I've seen."
Via @CraigMonger1819, a corrections officer's must-read firsthand account of Alabama's prison crisis. #alpolitics
https://t.co/FGQCifWbxu

[Alabama Appleseed @AlaAppleseed]

It’s been 11 days since Derrol Shaw walked the hallways of Donaldson Correctional Facility carrying a semi-automatic pistol and ADOC has yet to publicly mention the gun or provide the public with assurances. Read more from Researcher @BurkhalterEddie https://t.co/SSEwFckk7G

[Alabama Appleseed @AlaAppleseed]

Appleseed's new series CRUEL & UNUSUAL focuses on the people harmed by AL’s overreliance on excessive sentences, which trap people like Ronnie Peoples in deadly, dysfunctional prisons long after they have paid their debt. Read more from @BurkhalterEddie
https://t.co/8n18H9cPXE

[Alabama Appleseed @AlaAppleseed]

For six years now @HeyDanaSweeney has worked tirelessly at Appleseed to educate, engage & build community with Alabamians all across this state. He is a connector, a bright light & a powerful force of goodness. Goodbye Dana and best of luck at Stanford Law School! #rockstar #😭

[Leah Nelson @leahanelson]

Just because you’re serious doesn’t mean you can’t be a lil ridiculous and that is what I love about @AlaAppleseed 🎶

[Elaine Burdeshaw, MSW @esburdeshaw]

@CarlaCrowder12 The thought of potentially seeing Fur Ball when I start coming into the BHM office truly has me on the edge of my seat. 🫠🫠🫠🫠

[Elaine Burdeshaw, MSW @esburdeshaw]

Mr. Cheeks is just The Man. Can attest that although he’s in a wheelchair in these photos, he can now outrun us all after some rehab and a helpful walking (running) contraption.

Happy one year of freedom, Mr. Cheeks! We’re so glad you’re out here with us.

[Carla Crowder @CarlaCrowder12]

Quite a year of freedom for Appleseed’s client Robert Cheeks! He walked out of Donaldson prison July 22, 2022 after nearly 4 decades behind bars and embraced freedom with curiosity, joy and gratitude. What’s this 80 yr old fresh from prison been up to? 1/4

[Alabama Appleseed @AlaAppleseed]

As AL faith leaders lifted up months ago, an internal review of death procedures after three botched executions can’t be trusted. We hope Alabamians will be paying attention tonight.