Last week in Connecticut an energizing press conference took place around HB 5076, the bill that would equalize penalties for possession of "crack" cocaine and powder cocaine. The Connecticut legislature's Black and Latino Caucus joined with local community groups, including the Alliance Connecticut (of which the Drug Policy Alliance is a member), to support the bill. The Caucus members spoke of the sentencing disparity as a crucial racial justice issue, and pointed out that the law puts Connecticut out of step with the rest of the country.

Only 13 states have sentencing disparities for different forms of the same drug - a difference which leads to de facto racial discrimination, as more African Americans are arrested for possession of "crack" cocaine than powder cocaine, and thus receive longer sentences.

Also this week, Connecticut's medical marijuana bill, HB 6578, was heard in the Judiciary Committee. The hearing was attended by by doctors, medical marijuana patients, and representatives from the Connecticut Nurses Association and the Alliance. Alliance Office of Public Policy Director Michael Blain reported that the legislators were incredibly well-informed, and asked incisive questions that undermined the argments of those who spoke in opposition to the bill. Submitted written testimony by drug czar John Walters was no match for the factual information and courageous personal testimonies in support of medical marijuana at the hearing.

The Judiciary Committee has not yet voted on these bills, and Connecticut residents can show their support by taking action in our action center:

Support Sentencing Justice
Support Medical Marijuana