The Office of Public Policy works to win policy reform and build the reform movement in states where the Alliance does not have a physical office (with the exception of New York). Currently, the Office of Public Policy is deeply involved in reform efforts in:

• Alabama
• Connecticut
• Maryland
• New York
• Ohio
• Texas
• Wisconsin

Working with grassroots activists, impacted communities, local organizations, policy makers and policy experts, and likely and unlikely allies, the Alliance builds strategic campaigns to fight for and win effective drug policy reforms. We are also working to build a sustainable reform movement. Our effectiveness in building a national movement is largely determined by the extent to which we regionalize strong grassroots networks capable of winning long-term policy change.

For too long, state reforms in drug policies have been driven by parameters set by drug war bureaucrats. The Alliance's state campaign work seeks to establish a new bottom line in state drug policies whereby reform standards are measured by the core principles of harm reduction. By addressing the impacts of the drug war on state health, education, welfare, and criminal justice systems, this new bottom line addresses the impact of the war on drugs on individuals, families and communities - particularly communities of color.

For example, the new bottom line on our treatment instead of incarceration initiatives must ultimately reduce the number of people going into prison for drug offenses, reduce the amount of time people spend in prison and on parole and probation for drug offenses, and reduce the number of people being re-incarcerated for positive urine screens, thereby reducing the fiscal and human costs of the war on drugs. Through reforms in states such as California, Maryland, and New York, the Alliance has established itself as a leader in drug policy reforms that establish a new bottom line.

Please explore our state campaigns in the left navigation above. Through the Office of Public Policy alone, the Alliance is advancing 13 bills in 7 states, developing grassroots coalitions and alliances that can affect long term change, and "connecting the dots" between the myriad issues of the drug war. We need you in this movement! If you'd like to be more involved, I encourage you to join our elite group of activists.  You'll receive messages containing additional opportunities to work with your fellow activists in your state and effect positive change as we work to create a New Bottom Line in drug policy. Together, we are building a movement to win.

Contact Information:

Office of Public Policy
70 West 36th Street
16th Floor
New York, NY 10018
(212) 613-8020 ph
(212) 613-8021 fx