New York residents: The New York State Sentencing Commission is going to make recommendations for the state's sentencing laws. Tell the commissioners you want real Rockefeller reform!

Other ways you can help:

• Real Reform Coalition Sign-on Letter
• Rockefeller Lockdown, USA Action Kit
• Rockefeller Reform Lobbying Kit
• Lockdown, USA: Photo Petition (MS PowerPoint)

In observance of the 34th anniversary of New York's failed Rockefeller Drug Laws, hip-hop megastar Jim Jones released his new rap single, “Lockdown, USA.” Watch the video and take action to end the war on drugs in New York and nationwide!

During the 2006 election race, many New York City and State candidates took strong stances in favor of Rockefeller Drug Law repeal, stating their views in a Voter Education Guide put together by Better Ballots New York. The Guide included six key questions about issues ranging from RDL reform to housing to healthcare. A number of these candidates were elected to office. Governor Eliot Spitzer, Lt. Governor David Paterson, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, and Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins all provided favorable responses for repeal of the Rockefeller Drug Laws. As we embark on this new legislative session, we must hold our elected officials accountable. To read the candidate responses to questions regarding repeal of the draconian Rockefeller Drug Laws, in addition to other criminal justice issues, visit the Better Ballots website.

Thirty years ago, tougher sanctions and more severe penalties for drug offenders were seen as the solution to the drug epidemic perceived to be rampaging through our nation. Urged by unhappy constituencies, states rushed to tighten laws and increase punishments for those caught buying, using, or selling drugs, and New York is no exception. In 1973, Governor Nelson Rockefeller enacted a set of harsh mandatory sentencing laws for drug offences and second felony offedners. The idea behind the new laws was to deter criminals to to quarantine users, so the plague of drug addiction could be contained. [Read More]

A year after partial reform of New York’s draconian Rockefeller Drug Laws, a new report released on December 14 by The Legal Aid Society finds hundreds eligible for early release under the new provisions remain behind bars. Only 30 percent of A-1 felons who qualify for re-sentencing have been released under the new guidelines, the report shows. An accompanying fact sheet provides a synopsis of the report . [Read More]