Advocates have fought for years to repeal New York's draconian Rockefeller laws, and DPA has been at the center of that struggle. In 2004 and 2005, DPA helped to pass the first reforms to these laws—-the initial steps on the path to real reform. New York took another step toward repealing these terrible laws last week as the Assembly passed a new bill that would further reform the failed laws.
 
The Rockefeller Drug Laws, passed in 1973 by then-Governor Nelson Rockefeller, were the first of their kind in the U.S. They mandated stiff mandatory minimum sentences for low-level drug offenses, putting Gov. Rockefeller squarely in the "tough on crime" camp in preparation for his presidential run. Since then, the laws have been sending New Yorkers with drug convictions--92 percent of them black and Latino--to prison for long sentences.
 
On Monday, May 8, the thirty-third anniversary of the passing of the laws, DPA staff, members, and coalition partners from Real Reform New York held a widely-attended press conference at the State Capitol to advocate for A.8098, the new reform bill. DPA member Cheri O’Donoghue and new DPA communications specialist Tony Papa joined the Speaker of the Assembly, the Chair of the Judiciary Committee and others speaking to the press and demanding legislative action.

Albany County District Attorney David Soares, who has been in the spotlight recently for his smart comments at Vancouver's International Harm Reduction Association conference, spoke at the Albany press conference as well. He called for the restoration of judicial discretion and said that the drug war has failed, paralleling his theme from Vancouver.

The conference room was full of state press, allies, and DPA members and supporters, who cheered for calls for reform. The Assembly passed the new reform bill on Monday night after the press conference, and the bill now heads to the Senate.
 
In addition to advocating for A.8098 as it moves through the legislature, DPA will also be watching for opportunities to support DA Soares, who has been attacked by the Albany County political establishment for his comments he made in Vancouver. As an elected official with a genuine commitment to real reform, Soares should be lauded for his courage in admitting the failure of the war on drugs.