After a quiet August, the Legislature is gearing up for a busy fall -- and so is FAMM. FAMM's sentencing reform bills, as well as the governor's proposal for parole eligibility, are still before the Judiciary Committee. The committee must decide which bills (or sections of bills) to report out of committee -- in other words, which proposals they recommend for further action.
This is a critical time in the legislative process. Bills that do not receive a favorable report most likely will die for the 2009 - 2010 session. FAMM is meeting with individual members of the Judiciary Committee. We need our members' help as well.
Call the Judiciary Committee co-chairs.
Please call:
- Rep. Eugene O'Flaherty (617) 722-2396
- Sen. Cynthia Creem (617) 722-1639
Sample message.
Ask to speak with an aide:
"Hi, my name is [your name]. I am calling Representative O'Flaherty/Senator Creem in his/her role as a co-chair of the Judiciary Committee. I am a member of Families Against Mandatory Minimums. I would like the Representative/Senator to give favorable reports to three bills that would repeal mandatory minimums sentences, reform school zone laws and establish parole eligibility for drug offenses. The three bills are House 1754, House 1755 and Senate 1740. Thank you very much."
That's all there is to it! The aide may ask for your address or phone number. If so, be sure to give it.
If you have any questions, please let us know.
Contact FAMM's Massachusetts Project.
By phone: (617) 543-0878
By e-mail:
bjdougan@famm.orgBy mail: P.O. Box 57, Newton MA 02468
Sincerely yours,
Barbara
Barbara J. Dougan
Massachusetts Project Director
Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM)