New Jersey FAMM would like to thank you for your overwhelming response when we asked you to contact your state Assembly members about reforming the drug-free school zone law. Your telephone calls and emails in support of A-2762 were heard!
The New Jersey Assembly passed A-2762 on June 23 by a vote of 50 (yes); 26 (no) and three abstentions. The bill would allow the courts to exercise discretion when sentencing defendants under the drug-free school zone statute. Passage of A-2762 was the first step toward addressing the human and fiscal costs associated with mandatory minimum drug sentences. However, our work is not done.
We expect the New Jersey Senate to consider S-1866, the companion bill to A-2762, this fall. During the next few months, we need NJ FAMM members to assist us in convincing the members of NJ Senate to pass this bill. We are confident that, with your help, the NJ Senate will join the Assembly in passing this legislation and then send it to Governor Corzine for his approval.
Here is what you can do today and over the summer to help FAMM:
- Send a thank you letter to your Assembly member if she or he voted in favor of A-2762. Use FAMM’s action center and follow instructions to send the letter to your lawmaker. After you enter your zip code, the action center will give you a letter to personalize. If your lawmaker did not vote in favor of A-2762, FAMM’s action center will provide you with a slightly different letter. It is important to keep building your relationships with lawmakers. Click here to write now!
- Make an appointment to visit your state senator this summer in his or her district office. We will be glad to give you talking points and help coach you before your visit. Contact Joseph Greer, NJ FAMM campaign director, at (973) 577-9520 for help.
- Let us know of activities taking place in your communities that we could provide literature or participate in to inform others of our work.
- Invite us to conduct a presentation to your church or civic organization.
We appreciate your efforts to help promote smart on crime sentencing policies in New Jersey. Please contact Joseph Greer, New Jersey FAMM project director at (973) 577-9520 or jgreer@famm.org if you have any questions.