FAMM eGram - May 2007

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Faces of FAMM

Jennifer Bigham
Jennifer's addiction led to her conviction as a habitual offender in North Carolina.   Douglas Lindsey  Doug's crack cocaine sentence erased a lifetime of good works.

Action list
H.R. 460 - The Crack Cocaine Equitable Sentencing Act.

1)Crack cocaine and "compassionate release" changes sent to Capitol Hill
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Today, as it does every May 1st, the United States Sentencing Commission sends to Congress a list of proposed changes to the federal sentencing guidelines.  Included in the package going to Capitol Hill today are an amendment to improve crack cocaine sentences and a policy statement to give sentencing courts guidance on granting release to prisoners for extraordinary and compelling circumstances (sometimes referred to as compassionate release).  These are issues of great importance to FAMM and ones we've worked on for years.

2) Second Chance Act has a chance
The Second Chance Act is still making its way through the legislative process on Capitol Hill.  We want to thank all our members for sending action alerts to their congressmen encouraging them to support this piece of legislation. The House version, H.R. 1593, now has 91 cosponsors and the Senate version, S. 1060, has 15 cosponsors.  There is still time to contact your congressmen to encourage them to cosponsor these bills and to thank those who have already done so.  Act now!

3) What is FAMM?
Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM) is the national voice for fair and proportionate sentencing laws. We shine a light on the human face of sentencing, advocate for state and federal sentencing reform, and mobilize thousands of individuals and families whose lives are adversely affected by unjust laws.