Some cause for celebration

After years of struggle, we've finally achieved real reform. Last night the state Senate approved major reforms to the Rockefeller Drug Laws. New York will no longer use prison as a first approach to deal with drug dependency and abuse.

You have the chance to thank senators for doing the right thing by sending a message now: http://dpa.convio.net/site/R?i=Fn09A4QhAsFBXpJ6HVRw1Q..

Debating yesterday on the Senate floor was fierce, but Sen. Schneiderman did a powerful job leading the debates for the Democrats, resolutely bringing the conversation back to the science, evidence and justice that back up the case for reform.

The legislation is not a complete repeal of the laws, but these changes will make a real difference in people's lives. The reforms eliminate most mandatory minimum sentences and set aside more than $70 million for treatment and re-entry services.

You can say thanks to Sen. Schneiderman and the others who voted for reform by sending them a message: http://dpa.convio.net/site/R?i=JxeGi1d6jtlqIbe3Co28aQ..

Thank you again for your dedication and hard work.

Sincerely,

gabriel sayegh
Director, State Organizing and Policy Project
Drug Policy Alliance Network