I havent heard much from anyone else in jersey, so if you lurking or just dont want to give it up that your from jersey lol ...I got this email and wanted to forward it on (and to really see if Im the only one representin! ====================================================================== Please distribute this memo widely. Forward to family and friends who live in New Jersey, or ask them to visit http://www.mpp.org/NJ ====================================================================== TO: New Jersey residents* FROM: Paul Gessing, MPP legislative analyst DATE: Wednesday, February 12, 2003 SUBJECT: Ask your legislators to help close New Jersey's budget deficit by reducing marijuana penalties ====================================================================== Several major newspapers have reported recently on New Jersey's budget crisis. Government officials are considering deep budget cuts and tax increases as the two likely options for bridging the projected $4 billion to $5 billion shortfall expected during the coming fiscal year. Reform of the state's harsh marijuana penalties should also be considered as a means of saving money. Incarcerating nonviolent marijuana offenders is a costly policy. Ending the prosecution of nonviolent marijuana offenses and releasing nonviolent offenders would reduce New Jersey's prison expenses and save taxpayers' money without reducing public safety. Not only would the state save $20,000-$25,000 per year, per inmate, on prison costs, but for every nonviolent offender not prosecuted, the state would also save on court costs and police time. Please visit http://www.mpp.org/NJ/action.html and send a pre-written letter to your state representative and senator. After you choose your favorite pre-written letter and type in your address, our site will automatically determine who your state legislators are and e-mail your letter to them ... all with the click of a few buttons. The whole process takes less than two minutes but makes a world of difference. Reforming New Jersey's draconian marijuana laws would be a logical first step in saving money and ensuring that nonviolent offenders -- not murderers and rapists -- are released from jail. Under current law, possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana is punishable by up to six months in jail. Possession of larger amounts is punishable by 18 months in prison. Cultivation and sale of marijuana are also punishable by between one and 20 years in prison. Clearly, the expense of incarcerating nonviolent marijuana offenders has contributed to the current budget shortfall. It is time for New Jersey to get its budget priorities straight. http://www.mpp.org/NJ/action.html http://www.mpp.org/NJ/action.html http://www.mpp.org/NJ/action.html