Tomorrow: Governor to Stand with Community for Ceremonial Signing of Drug Law Reform Bill

Tomorrow, lawmakers, public safety experts, treatment providers, community members and representatives from the New York Civil Liberties Union will stand with Gov. David Paterson in Corona, Queens for a ceremonial signing of historic reforms to New York State’s notoriously harsh and ineffective mandatory minimum drug sentencing scheme.

Earlier this month, Governor Paterson signed legislation enacting broad reforms to the long-failed Rockefeller Drug Laws, including restoring judicial discretion in most drug cases, expanding alternatives to incarceration, and investing millions of dollars in treatment programs. Advocates worked for decades to secure such reforms.

“The governor deserves an enormous amount of credit for his leadership in making good on his promise to New Yorkers to make drug law reform a priority,” NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman said. “He was a leader on this issue in the state senate and stayed true to his beliefs when he became governor and succeeded in working effectively with the assembly and the senate to make reform a reality.”

While these reforms represent a historic step forward in overhauling the drug laws, significant remnants of the Rockefeller Drug Law scheme remain in place.

The NYCLU noted, for example, that even as amended the drug sentencing laws:

• Permit unreasonably harsh maximum sentences for low-level, non-violent drug offenses;
• Disqualify from eligibility for treatment and rehabilitation individuals who may be most in need of such programs; and
• Retain a weight-based sentencing scheme that will mandate a long prison sentence for people who should be eligible for treatment.

What: Governor Paterson Ceremonial Signing of Rockefeller Drug Law Reform Legislation

When: Friday, April 24, 10 a.m.

Where: Elmcor Youth and Adult Activities, Inc. 3316 108th Street (Near the 7 train and Q48 or Q66 bus lines)