Decriminalization makes “cents” is a campaign developed to aide in the defeat of Connecticut’s projected $800 million 2009 deficit by reforming the state’s marijuana laws. The passage of a decriminalization bill in Connecticut could not only generate tens of millions of dollars a year but the reduction in nonviolent and drug addicted people being held in Connecticut jails and prisons would free department of corrections, judicial services, probation and parole expenditures, and law enforcement resources in the hundreds of millions.
What is Marijuana Decriminalization? - Marijuana decriminalization an approach to reduce or abolish criminal penalties for marijuana. In Connecticut we could:
· Reduce the penalty for marijuana possession to a fine like a traffic ticket.
· Dust of the 1991 marijuana tax stamp to create a new revenue stream
· Transfer nonviolent drug addicted/mentally ill people from prison to treatment
· Release people accused of nonviolent crimes like shoplifting from prison
While residents and businesses look for ways to help what’s happening at the state level? Connecticut’s State Comptroller Nancy Wyman wrote in her monthly letter to Governor Rell, "I anticipate that as deteriorating economic conditions are further reflected within actual revenue collections, my deficit estimate will rise," Governor Rell’s budget office and Comptroller Wyman’s office are debating whether the anticipated budget deficit will top $800 million. They both seem to agree at a $300-$334 million shortfall but the Governor’s office denies that an additional $500 million is lurking in the wings.
Arguing over whose mama wear combat boats is not going to get it. We need systemic change and serious solutions.
History has shown us one thing. The budget WILL BE balanced on our backs by:
· Reducing prescription drug assistance,
· Canceling public bus routes,
· Reduced funding for youth programming,
· Budget cuts to social services, and God forbid
· Raised taxes.
A Better Way Foundation is preparing our idea to defeat the deficit. The cornerstone of our argument is decriminalization and reduced prison population.
Do you support marijuana decriminalization and prison reduction? Why?
2 comments:
It occured to me that most people like to bring up prohibition of the 1920s. I think that is very unappropriate since we do not live in the 1920s. What is happening here is we are not legalizing cannibis use. We are simply rerouting resources that will be beneficial to all, including those who use cannibis for medical reasons. What is wrong with that if we truly believe in Human and Civil Rights?
inappropriate question mark??
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