Senator Brownsberger received many emails like that below encouraging him to co-sponsor legislation repealing mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses. The Senator has sponsored this legislation in the past and has signed on as a co-sponsor this session.
I am a member of Families Against Mandatory Minimums. Over the last few years, the Legislature has made progress in reforming harsh mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses. But now it’s time to finish the job by repealing them altogether.
• Mandatory minimums prevent addicts from getting the treatment they need;
• They also waste tax dollars by locking up addicts and low level dealers for the same long sentences as for kingpins;
• Sentences that fit the crime are more likely to reduce recidivism because they can be tailored to address the offender’s situation as well as the need for public safety.Please co-sponsor the bill that is being filed to repeal mandatory minimums, “An Act eliminating mandatory minimum sentences related to drug offenses.” Senator Cynthia Creem and Representative Benjamin Swan are the lead sponsors.
Thank you for considering my views.
Anne Johnson Landry
Committee Counsel and Policy Advisor
Office of Senator William N. Brownsberger
I’m totally FOR REPEAL of ‘… mandatory minimum sentences re: drug offenses.’
It’s now beyond obvious that the so-called war on drugs has been a failure. What a waste of lives and taxpayers’ money. The “war” has resulted only in long sentences for many who would be much better served by treatment, education and the like.
We have a special court for offending veterans who are having difficulties w/ re-entry into civilian life. We should have a similar court for (at least non-violent) drug offenders.