News & Commentary

Yesterday, Zach, Rachel and I joined Oami in Augusta to speak to our lawmakers about three important bills that will likely be voted on this week.

UPDATE: On Wednesday, we learned that Rep. Pingree will continue her support as a sponsor of the Youth PROMISE Act! Join us in thanking her.

Last year the ACLU released a groundbreaking report that chronicled in remarkable detail the vast racial injustices that persist throughout the United States with respect to enforcement of marijuana laws. It was not a pretty picture, but it was a story that had to be told.

Each Friday, we’ll bring you updates on the latest civil liberties news from Maine and the nation.

In response to the Governor’s recent proposal to amp up the failed War on Drugs by adding 14 new law enforcement positions, 4 new assistant attorney positions dedicated specifically to drug crimes, and four new district court judges that would exclusively hear and decide drug-related cases - there has been some discussion about also expanding the availability of drug courts here in Maine.

Our partner profiles highlight the broad range of individuals and organizations we work with to advance and protect the rights of all people in Maine.

Good criminal justice reform news today to brighten this otherwise snowy morning! The New York Times reported that U.S Attorney General Eric Holder has endorsed a proposal by the Sentencing Commission that would change federal guidelines to reduce prison sentences for drugs crimes specifically related to sale of drugs.  The average federal sentence for dealing drugs is 62 months – this proposal would shorten that by about one year, to 51 months. This is in addition to Holder’s work to eliminate mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug crimes.  In his testimony before the commission, Holder again delivered a powerful indictment of our broken criminal justice system.  

Across the nation, lawmakers are waking up to the fact that it’s time for a new approach to drug abuse. Yet Gov. LePage is calling for a continuation of the same failed policies that have wreaked havoc on our communities and our state budgets. We are alarmed by the governor's plan to introduce legislation that would ramp up the failed drug war by adding 14 new law enforcement positions, 4 new assistant attorney positions dedicated specifically to drug crimes, and four new district court judges that would exclusively hear and decide drug-related cases. This proposal is estimated to cost 2.7 million dollar to implement.  To read our response to the Governor’s proposal click here. 

Each Friday, we’ll bring you updates on the latest civil liberties news from Maine and the nation.