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New York must reform the Rockefeller Drug Laws

The Rockefeller Drug Laws, enacted in 1973, mandate extremely harsh prison terms for the possession or sale of small amounts of drugs. Intended to target drug kingpins, most of the people incarcerated under these laws are convicted of low-level, nonviolent offenses. Many of the thousands of New Yorkers in prison under these laws suffer from substance abuse problems; many others struggle with issues related to homelessness, mental illness or unemployment.

The Rockefeller Drug Laws create stark racial disparities in prison populations and exact an enormous financial toll on all of New York State.

After 36 years, the chance for true reform of these laws is greater this year than it ever has been.

On March 4, the New York State Assembly passed a strong reform bill, the first step on the road to a new direction for New York.

The same progressive bill has now been introduced in the New York State Senate where it faces a much tougher road to passage. Many senators have been intimidated by the scare tactics and misrepresentations of prosecutors who don't want to give up their power over New Yorkers' lives. And recent media reports suggest that Governor Paterson, who was once the strongest champion of Rockefeller reform, wants to cut a deal to put a band-aid on these fundamentally broken laws. What we need is real reform, not piecemeal fixes.

Send a free fax to your senators and to Governor Paterson urging them to put 36 years of failed Rockefeller Drug Laws behind us, once and for all. Tell the Senate to pass S.2855, and tell the Governor to sign it into law.

To find out more information about the Rockefeller Drug Laws, click here.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Support True Rockefeller Drug Law Reform This Year

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to urge you to support true reform of New York's Rockefeller Drug Laws, once and for all this year.

The Assembly has passed a strong bill, it is time for you to provide the leadership the Senate needs to pass S.2855--the same reform bill as the Assembly's.

As your constituent, I am asking you to ensure bold reform of the Rockefeller Drug Laws that must include, at a minimum:

- Restoring discretion to judges to impose appropriate sentences for all those charged with drug-related offenses; - Ensuring diversion from prison for those who would most benefit with no compromise to public safety; - Providing meaningful retroactive relief to those sentenced under the old RDLs; - Putting in place robust services for those returning from prison to their communities; - Reinvesting cost savings in communities to decrease crime and help people overcome addiction.

We cannot allow politics to squander this historic opportunity to move New York into the 21st century and begin to remedy the ugly and racist legacy of the Rockefeller Drug Laws.

Thirty-six years of failure is long enough for New York.

The time for half-measures is over.

Please support true Rockefeller Drug Law reform this year.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
March 09, 2009


Background Information

 

This year is the best chance New York has seen to achieve true reform of the Rockefeller Drug Laws.

Since the enactment of the laws in 1973, nearly 200,000 prison sentences have been handed down for drug offenses.  Despite 36 years of failure, New York continues to send too many of its citizens to prison for unduly long and harsh terms.

The effects of these laws have been devastating on many low-income communities of color in New York State. Ninety percent of those in prison for drug offenses are black or Latino, despite the fact that studies show they use and buy drugs at the same rates as whites.  Nearly 25,000 children have been orphaned as a result of the laws and up to 60 percent of people who have been in prison remain unemployed a year after their release. Our communities can no longer tolerate these laws.

New York State faces its largest budget deficit in history. With a comprehensive reform of the drug laws, New York State could save hundreds of millions of dollars in incarceration costs that could be invested in the programs and communities that will actually be effective in decreasing drug abuse and drug crimes.

If we do not act this year, we could lose this historic opportunity to turn New York’s drug laws in the right direction, towards a public health model.

For more information on the Rockefeller Drug Laws, click here.