Organizations

Join us at the 2007 International Drug Policy Reform Conference at the Astor Crowne Plaza in New Orleans, Louisiana. The conference begins the evening of Wednesday, December 5, and runs through Saturday, December 8. Register early to get a special rate! The International Drug Policy Reform Conference, hosted by DPA, is the most important gathering of people who believe the war on drugs is doing more harm than good. It's the only meeting that attempts to connect the dots among the wide range of drug policy issues we face today: everything from syringe access and medical marijuana to state-based reform movements and the impact of drug use on our culture and communities. In our effort to make this event truly movement-oriented, this year we invited five other co-host organizations to join us: the ACLU, the Harm Reduction Coalition, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, Marijuana Policy Project and Students for Sensible Drug Policy. Together, we will present the most engaging content that reflects our conference theme: Working Toward a New Bottom Line. A new bottom line for drug policy would mean basing success on metrics such as prevention of overdose deaths and increased access to treatment rather than the current measure - numbers of people arrested and incarcerated for drug use. The idea of working toward a new bottom line is particularly relevant in New Orleans, the site of the 2007 conference. Hurricane Katrina laid bare an array of problems, many of which are exacerbated by failed drug war policies. Furthermore, the state of Louisiana comes close to leading the nation in incarcerating people for drug law violations. Although the South remains a region where drug policy reform has yet to take a strong hold, by choosing to have our meeting in New Orleans, we hope to build momentum in an area with the potential to make incredible progress. Members and early-bird registrants enjoy a significant discount off our regular registration rate. For more information, including details about conference programming, travel and lodging, please check out http://kessjones.com/conf07/. We hope to see you in New Orleans!

[Courtesy of the Prison Art Gallery] We are pleased to announce that the first edition of the Prison Art Gallery art catalog is here! It has been published as a special full-color insert in Street Sense, the nationally recognized periodical published in Washington, DC for socially conscious people. Get your copy of Street Sense from the more than 50 Street Sense vendors in Washington wearing the bright-colored Street Sense vests. To view the prison art section online, please visit www.PrisonsFoundation.org/ project2_newsletter.html. All of the art pieces on display can be seen and purchased at the Prison Art Gallery. You can also have the art shipped to you by ordering online at www.PrisonsFoundation.org/ project2_newsletter.html or by phone at 202-393-1511 using PayPal or a major credit card. Thank you for your interest in these superb, reasonably-priced works. We look forward to assisting you in acquiring your favorite pieces for home or office at prices that fit your budget.

Florida: Still Work to Do Though Gov. Charlie Crist's Clemency Board reinstated voting rights to non-violent offenders last month, the task is "not complete," Mark Schlakman wrote in the Orlando Sentinel. Schlakman's op-ed pointed to a letter Sen. Al Lawson (D-Tallahassee) addressed to Gov. Crist asking for his legislative action "to remove what appears to be a major obstacle to more substantial rights restoration reform by passing a bill to implement [former Gov. Jeb Bush's] Ex-Offender Task Force recommendations to separate employment and licensing from rights restoration." Schlakman said state agencies and boards are "well positioned" to set up eligibility requirements to facilitate job placement for formerly incarcerated individuals and address public safety concerns. "Once employment eligibility issues are redirected and properly addressed, the path to more comprehensive rights restoration reform would no longer be onerous," Schlakman stated. Wisconsin: Individuals on Parole and Probation Charged with Vote Fraud The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is diligently covering the stories of those who have been charged with voter fraud as a result of voting while on probation, parole or extended state supervision. These individuals include a 43-year-old grandmother whose first vote in the 2004 presidential election was deemed fraudulent, and who received a two-year prison sentence. In Wisconsin, citizens are banned from voting until probation and parole sentences have been completed. The cases were brought up in the aftermath of the close presidential election in 2004, according to the Journal Sentinel. In 2005, Republican officials challenged the legitimacy of 5,600 addresses in the state. Ultimately, 14 cases were brought; six were dismissed before trial and five resulted in convictions to date. The Journal Sentinel also reported that State Rep. Joe Parisi (D- Madison) proposed this week to change state law to re-enfranchise citizens after release from prison or jail. "One of our biggest challenges in corrections is reducing recidivism, and one of the most important aspects of this process is reintegrating a person back into mainstream society after they leave prison," Parisi said in a statement. "Restoring a person's voting rights is one tool we can use to help us reach that goal." For more coverage, see the Journal Sentinel. - - - - - - Help The Sentencing Project continue to bring you news and updates on disenfranchisement! Make a contribution today. Contact Information: Email: [email protected] web: http://www.sentencingproject.org

For immediate release: May 24, 2007 Contact: ASA Legal Campaign Director Kris Hermes at 510-251-1856 x307 or ASA Chief Counsel Joe Elford at 415-573-7842 Medical marijuana group moves to hasten outcome in federal lawsuit Patients file motion for summary judgment today to correct government misinformation San Francisco, CA – A national medical marijuana patients’ rights group filed a motion for summary judgment today in its lawsuit against the federal government in an attempt to accelerate a decision in the case. The plaintiff, Americans for Safe Access (ASA), filed a lawsuit in February 2007 challenging statements by the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that marijuana has no accepted medical value. The lawsuit followed a two-year administrative petition process using a little-known law called the Data Quality Act (DQA), which allows parties to challenge the science used in regulatory policy. By filing the motion for summary judgment, ASA will force the case to be heard in roughly 90 days. This rare legal move, where judgment is requested from the court before the government has a chance to answer the lawsuit complaint, indicates confidence in the amount of scientific evidence demonstrating marijuana’s medical efficacy. “We are taking an aggressive legal approach for two reasons,” said ASA Chief Counsel Joe Elford. “Not only do we believe we have science on our side, but by quickening the pace with which the federal government recognizes that science,, seriously ill persons who might benefit from medical marijuana will no longer be discouraged from using it.” The exhibits filed in support of the motion for summary judgment include more than a dozen domestic and international peer-reviewed scientific studies that show the effectiveness of marijuana in treating pain, nausea, muscle spasticity, and many other conditions. The evidence provided by ASA is meant to refute claims by the federal government that “there have been no studies that have scientifically assessed the efficacy of marijuana for any medical condition.” (66 Fed.Reg. 20038, 20052; April 18, 2001.) In addition to the overwhelming evidence, a lack of disputed facts will also help to secure a speedy decision by the court. The plaintiff’s case was affirmed by a recent editorial in Science Magazine, a publication of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, which posited that HHS had “violated its own DQA guidelines.” The Science editorial followed a February publication by the peer-reviewed journal Neurology of a human trials study in the U.S. clearly showing that marijuana relieved neuropathic pain in people living with HIV/AIDS. If successful, ASA’s case will be the first in which a court has recognized the necessity of reviewing disputes filed under the DQA. Two other courts have already denied review in lawsuits filed under the Act by large corporations. Review the Motion for Summary Judgment at http://www.safeaccessnow.org/downloads/DQA_Summary_Judgment_Motion.pdf. Review info on the Data Quality Act and ASA’s lawsuit against the federal government at http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?list=type&type=160. # # # With over 30,000 active members in more than 40 states, Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research. ASA works to overcome political and legal barriers by creating policies that improve access to medical cannabis for patients and researchers through legislation, education, litigation, grassroots actions, advocacy and services for patients and the caregivers.

The Criminal Justice Policy Foundation is seeking a Program Manager to work directly with the CJPF President. This is an ideal position for a detail oriented person who wants to work with a high degree of independence in a small office for social justice. CJPF is one of the nation's leading voices for drug policy and criminal justice policy reform, and collaborates closely with both movements. CJPF responds quickly to new events and frequently develops new projects. More information about CJPF's activities is posted on its website, www.cjpf.org. The administrative duties involved include providing general administrative support to foundation president; paying bills; recording and depositing checks using QuickBooks online; advertising for, hiring, and managing the foundation’s internship program; updating the website; managing computer systems, software and technical support; developing and maintaining necessary relationships with vendors; and making recommendations for administrative improvements. The program responsibilities include writing miscellaneous correspondence; managing the research, writing and production of the quarterly newsletter; editing drafts written by foundation president, providing research assistance to the foundation president; and making recommendations concerning research and program activities. Qualifications include a minimum of one year work experience and Bachelor’s degree, a high degree of competence with Office programs, including PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook, and experience with Dreamweaver and QuickBooks is preferred. Job performance criteria include work being performed promptly, intelligently, self-confidently, accurately and thoroughly; writing that demonstrates a high degree of English literacy; undertaking projects only at which time the employee understands the project's objectives (projects are carried out with self-confidence and the ability to solve problems); well-organized work, work environment, use of time, and responding to priorities as they change; and developing and maintaining familiarity with issues addressed by the foundation, with the clientele with whom the foundation works, and with the political environment in Washington and other relevant jurisdictions. The ideal employee will learn rapidly, require minimal supervision, is self-directed, and demonstrates keen problem solving skills. He or she has a high degree of curiosity, a passion for the mission of the organization, and an eagerness to serve and to learn. He or she is mature, professional and enthusiastic. The salary will depend on experience. To apply, send a fax to 301-589-5056 or an e-mail (with MS Word attachments) to [email protected]. Before applying, go to, www.cjpf.org to familiarize yourself with CJPF’s work, and the writing of the foundation president. Please send a cover letter, a resume, your best writing sample, and the names of at least three references. The position is open until filled.

News & Opinion This Week 1. About 13M Injection Drug Users Worldwide Need Access To HIV Prevention, Treatment Services, UNAIDS Says 2. Wretched of the Earth 3. HPV Vaccine Also Guards Against Vulval and Vaginal Cancer (Attention, this study, like many others done on the vaccine, was industry funded) 4. [U.S. Largest HMO] Kaiser Agrees To Reforms In Settlement Of Homeless Dumping Case 5. [Hillary] Clinton Is Quiet On Her Past Role With Wal-Mart [As Board Member] B Upcoming Conferences and Events C Quote D How To Help E About HRP F Subscription Information ----- I. About 13M Injection Drug Users Worldwide Need Access To HIV Prevention, Treatment Services, UNAIDS Says 18 May 2007 - AP/International Herald Tribune About 13 million injection drug users worldwide are in need of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services in order to control the spread of the disease, UNAIDS said on Monday in a statement released at the 18th Conference on the Reduction of Drug Related Harm in Warsaw, Poland, the AP/International Herald Tribune reports. Prasada Rao, UNAIDS Asia Pacific regional director, on Sunday said that injection drug use is estimated to account for about one-third of new HIV cases outside sub-Saharan Africa, but only 8% of IDUs worldwide have access to HIV prevention services (AP/International Herald Tribune, 5/14). According to UNAIDS, injection drug use is a major mode of HIV transmission in Southeast Asia, Central Asia and Eastern Europe. In addition, drug use is emerging as a new source of HIV transmission in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania, UNAIDS said. According to Rao, about "10% of all new HIV infections worldwide are attributable to injection drug use. If you exclude Africa, that figure rises to 30%." In addition, access to antiretroviral therapy is "unacceptably low" among IDUs because of a "lack of information, exclusion and widespread stigma and discrimination," according to UNAIDS. To be effective, HIV prevention program need to reach about 80% of IDUs, UNAIDS said. In addition, programs targeted at IDUs should provide users with access to clean needles and drug-substitution programs, according to AFP/Yahoo! News. "The allocation of financial resources must be used in more strategic and innovative ways to deliver more effective prevention programs to people most at risk of HIV infection," Rao said (AFP/Yahoo! News, 5/14). He added that in countries where injection drug use is fueling the spread of HIV, "focused harm reduction programs which reach people who inject drugs must be built into the national AIDS plans" (AP/International Herald Tribune, 5/14). You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at http://www.kaisernetwork.org/dailyreports/healthpolicy.

Drug Truth Network Update: Cultural Baggage + Century of Lies + 4:20 Drug War NEWS Half Hour Programs, Live Fridays... at 90.1 FM in Houston & on the web at www.kpft.org. Hundreds of our programs are available online at www.drugtruth.net, www.audioport.org and at www.radio4all.net. We provide the "unvarnished truth about the drug war" to scores of broadcast affiliates in the US and Canada., Cultural Baggage for 05/18/07 DRUG DEBATE: Terry Nelson of LEAP debates DEA agent James Capra Pt 3 of 3 + Jerry Cameron of LEAP, Poppygate, Drug War Facts, Black Perspective & "Legalize" MP3 MP3 Link: http://www.drugtruth.net/007DTNaudio/FDBCB_051807.mp3 Century of Lies for05/18/07 DRUG DEBATE: Terry Nelson of LEAP debates DEA agent James Capra Pt 2 of 3 MP3 MP3 LINK: http://www.drugtruth.net/007DTNaudio/COL_051807.mp3 4:20 Drug War NEWS 05/21/07 to 05/27/07 now online (3:00 ea.): Monday 05/21/07 Dr. Tod Mikuriya Passes, Memorial Planned Tuesday 05/22/07 Drug War Facts & "Let 'em get it?" Wednesday 05/23/07 Jerry Cameron of LEAP Thursday 05/24/07 Poppygate & Cheese Friday 05/25/07 Dr. Tod Mikuriya Saturday 05/26/07 Jerry Cameron of LEAP II Sunday 05/27/07 Plomo or Plata, choose Silver or Lead in Mexico! NEXT Friday: - Cultural Baggage 8 PM ET, 7 PM CT, 6 PM MT & 5 PM PT. Tod Mikuriya Remembered - Century of Lies 2 PM ET, 1 PM CT, Noon MT & 11 AM PT. TBD Check out our latest videos on YouTube: (Search for "Dean Becker") 1. Screenwriter Mike Gray & Howard Wooldridge of LEAP 2 &3. Dr. Rick Doblin of Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies 4. Deborah Peterson Small of BreakChains.org. Please become part of the solution, visit our website: www.endprohibition.org for links to the best of reform. "Those who support drug prohibition, through complicity, ignorance or silence are the best friends the drug lords could ever hope for." - Reverend Dean Becker, Drug Truth Network Producer Dean Becker 713-848-6869 www.drugtruth.

ASA ACTION: Defending Democracy in the Voting Booth ASA ACTION: Lawsuit Results in County Compliance FEDERAL: Rosenthal Medical Marijuana Retrial Begins COLORADO: Caregiver Test Case Going To Trial NEW JERSEY: Medical Marijuana Bill to be Introduced VERMONT: Expanded Protections Passes, Governor May Sign ILLINOIS: Lawmakers Squander Another Opportunity CALIFORNIA: Some Law Enforcement Continues to Resist DISPENSARIES: Oxnard, Petaluma, Mendocino, Claremont RESEARCH: Doctor Describes His Cannabis Education -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASA ACTION: Defending Democracy in the Voting Booth A judge is preparing to punish local officials for failing to preserve the integrity of election results, thanks to legal intervention by ASA. At issue is the recount of electronic ballots cast in a narrowly lost local medical marijuana initiative. Many election experts question the use of electronic voting machines because of concerns about verifying ballot counts. County ignoring court order calls for sanction EDITORIAL, The Argus It is the kind of mistake that makes you wonder. Alameda County officials refused to collect electronic ballots and internal logs in a disputed election even though a state appeals court had ordered them to do it. Now the county faces possible fines and legal sanctions. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASA ACTION: Lawsuit Results in County Compliance Merced was one of the California counties that balked at implementing the state’s mandated medical marijuana ID card program. After county officials lost in state court, they reached an agreement with ASA, the ACLU and the Drug Policy Alliance to start the program within 60 days. San Diego and Riverside counties are appealing the court’s ruling, but ASA is confident that California’s medical marijuana law will be upheld again. Merced County issues first pot cards by Corinne Reilly, Merced Sun-Star (CA) After a year of debate, Merced County began issuing identification cards for medical marijuana users two weeks ago. But so far, just three people have signed up for the controversial program, county officials said. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FEDERAL: Rosenthal Medical Marijuana Retrial Begins ASA Chief Counsel Joe Elford convinced the judge to dismiss the bulk of the government’s new charges against author and advocate Ed Rosenthal, who grew marijuana for patients under the authority of a City of Oakland program. Federal prosecutors insisted on a retrial anyway, even thought they concede that Rosenthal can receive no penalty if convicted, since he’s already completed his sentence from the 2003 conviction. Attorneys say no one has ever been retried after the sentence has been served. Re-trial of `Ganja Guru' begins by Josh Richman, ANG Newspaper Ed Rosenthal grew and sold thousands of marijuana plants in Oakland over five and a half years in violation of federal law, a prosecutor told jurors today as the "Guru of Ganja's" retrial began. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Bevan even specified that the marijuana was supplied to "so-called marijuana clubs throughout the Bay Area" -- a reference to medical marijuana organizations where patients obtained the drug for use as permitted under state law, but unprotected under federal law. Retrial Of Marijuana Activist Begins by Bay City News, NBC 11 News A U.S. prosecutor told a federal jury in San Francisco today that Oakland marijuana activist Ed Rosenthal operated a large and sophisticated marijuana growing operation. Rosenthal, the author of more than a dozen books about marijuana, has claimed outside of court that he was growing starter plants for patients who need the drug under California's medical marijuana law. Ganja Guru Back in Federal Court Again by Marcus Wohlsen, Associated Press A prosecutor said Tuesday that a self-proclaimed "guru of ganja" grew and distributed thousands of marijuana plants out of a warehouse to supply area pot clubs. A lawyer for Rosenthal argued on Tuesday that her client was a prominent scientist, author and marijuana reform advocate who became a political target over his support for medical marijuana. Retrial Of 'Guru of Ganja' Ed Rosenthal Underway Associated Press The retrial of marijuana advocate Ed Rosenthal is underway in San Francisco. During opening statements this morning, the prosecution described Rosenthal as a person who ran a major marijuana growing operation. But Rosenthal's defense lawyer countered by saying he was a prominent scientist and medical marijuana advocate. Retrial for medical-pot advocate opens by Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle The retrial of marijuana advocate Ed Rosenthal on federal cultivation charges opened today with his lawyer doing everything she could to make it clear to jurors that he had been growing cannabis for medical use, a subject the judge has put off-limits. Opening statements set for today in the retrial of marijuana advocate Ed Rosenthal Associated Press Opening statements are scheduled for today in the retrial of marijuana advocate Ed Rosenthal. The self-described "Guru of Ganja" is being retried in San Francisco federal court on five charges of marijuana cultivation and distribution. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

National: It's Right to Grant Citizens the Right to Vote The Sentencing Project's Director of Advocacy, Kara Gotsch, wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post in support of Maryland's recent move to reform the state's disenfranchisement policies. She wrote: "The scarlet 'F' worn by millions of Americans because of past felony convictions faded for some on April 24 as 52,000 citizens who live in Maryland regained their right to vote. For many people returning from prison, basic human needs, such as food and shelter, take priority over voting rights, but civic engagement is a crucial next step that influences the likelihood of successful reintegration and rehabilitation. Research shows that, among those who have been arrested, 27 percent of nonvoters were re-arrested, compared with 12 percent of voters. Voting promotes public safety because people who vote feel more connected to their communities and avoid falling back into crime." Pennsylvania: Disenfranchisement is an 'Iffy Proposition' "You see, in the United States, if you've committed a felony, voting is an iffy proposition," writes Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Annette John- Hall. Stating the advantages of re-enfranchisement, including decreasing recidivism rates and civic responsibility, John-Hall applauded Pennsylvania's disenfranchisement laws which allow those on probation and parole to vote. She also frowned upon the states that do not have such provisions and listed the cons of banning formerly incarcerated individuals from voting. The columnist focused on Reggie Henderson, operator of three barber shops in the state. Henderson, a formerly incarcerated African-American male who voted last week for the first time since being released from prison, noted that the mayoral primary was so important that "You've got no choice but to pay attention to it." See the Philadelphia Inquirer. Virginia: In Opposition to Reenfranchisement A reader submitted a letter to the editor in opposition to a (Newport News, Va.) Daily Press re- enfranchisement editorial. The reader, who identified himself as a crime victim wrote, "society's debt isn't paid until a felon has satisfied all of his victims for their tangible losses and mental anguish - and has publicly shown that he has truly turned his life around." International: Individuals Allowed to Vote in Iceland Prison Persons incarcerated in south Iceland's maximum security prison Litla-Hraun in were allowed to vote this week, according to the Iceland Review. Forty-two of 65 eligible voters, or 65 percent, chose to cast a ballot. Of the 77 individuals serving a sentence in Litla-Hraun, 12 are foreign citizens who were not eligible to vote. - - - - - - Help The Sentencing Project continue to bring you news and updates on disenfranchisement! Make a contribution today. Contact Information Email: [email protected] web: http://www.sentencingproject.org

FedCURE pleads with all you, in the most strongest terms, to get behind Judith's heartfelt message and contact your Congressperson NOW! Urging him or her to support The Second Chance Act, especially the Republican leadership – Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) and Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO) expressing disappointment with the delay and urging them to strongly support the Second Chance Act. Link to Contact Congress and Tips on Writing Congress: http://www.fedcure.org/ContactCongressREP-SEN.shtml and http://www.fedcure.org/documents/TipsonWritingtoCongress.pdf. Hon. Louie Gohmert Ashley H. Callen Legislative Director/Counsel Office of Rep. Louie Gohmert (TX-01) 510 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 202.225.3035 ph 202.226.1230 fax [email protected] Dear Congressman Gohmert: I am one of the incarcerated Federal prisoners that you seem to feel are not entitled to any "Perks" upon release from prison. I feel put upon to reply to the letter from Ashley H. Callen, Legislative Director/Counsel in your office. I am one of many thousand federal prisoners. I am also one of many thousand federal prisoners who is truly innocent of the charges levied against me. I was tried and convicted on a charge of "Conspiracy to Money Launder". The conspiracy part is what caused me to receive a very heavy sentence. I was one of about 15 people indicted in a "front money scam".. The fact that I did not do what I was accused and convicted of is irrelevant at this time. I am almost 6 years into a 9 year sentence. I am 62+ years old. I spent the majority of my life as a businesswoman with a reputation for fairness and integrity. I am now a number in the federal prison system. As someone with business savvy, I have tried to help those in here who have not had the opportunities that I have had. I was instrumental in setting up a unit based education class program. This program allows women in the camp to take classes taught by other inmates. These classes range from the basics of tutoring for G.E.D. exams, to construction trades and CPR and Paralegal classes and everything in between. We have about 29 classes of all sorts available. The classes are 10 weeks long and in some cases longer. Women receive a certificate of completion at the end of the sessions. They are required to take a pre-class exam to help the teacher identify the basic knowledge of the students. There is also a post exam prior to receiving a certificate. Women here at camp Coleman are not idle. Many of these women will require assistance when the are ready to leave prison. Many of these women are first time non-violent offenders. Many were caught up in the minimum mandatory drug laws and are here for 10, 20 & 30 years. A number of these women gave birth to their children in prison and have had to rely on others to raise their children. So many of these women are anxious to begin a new life and a better life for themselves and their children. You and others like you, are trying to stop what could be a wonderful program in re-entry and family stabilization. Career education and training, drug counseling if required. From what I have read of the Second Chance Act, there are no provisions for cell phones or I-pods or Blackberry's. Nor is there any pork in the bill for people to go out and not work and not support themselves. All of this would require a great deal of effort on the part of the person re-entering society. Sir, are you aware of the cost of incarceration? At my age (62+), having been hospitalized three times in six years, the cost for maintaining out elderly in prison is in the range of $70,000, per person per year. For younger people the cost is approximately $29,000. multiply that cost by the an average of 200,000 federal prisoners. Astronomical isn't it? On the other hand the cost of 1 year of community college is $1,500. Which would make more sense. Teaching our inmates to become better people or keeping them in prisons? The cost of keeping an elderly person in home confinement would be somewhere around $2,000 yearly vs $70,000. Which would make more sense? The cost of incarceration is not only the dollars, but the family ties and community ties that are in some cases irreparable. I lost my husband of 28 years shortly after I was indicted. The stress that we were put under with the advent of my upcoming trail and monetary concerns caused him to have a massive heart attack. He died in my arms. My life was shattered. Not only was I facing a trial, but I was facing financial ruin in my golden years. I have lost everything that I worked for my entire life. I lost my husband as a direct result of this unjust charge, I lost my Mom shortly after I was incarcerated and my son no longer speaks to me. I have nothing to fall back on. I have no savings and no health care and no home to go back to. Yet you want me to leave prison with no financial or educational resources. Why? Do you think that it will be easy at this age to face a new beginning? Do you think that somewhere I have hidden resources to regain a life, any kind of life? My family, what there is left of them, is unable to care for me financially. They can help me with a place to live but then I am on my own. I will not be able to go back into the business that I know. I have to start from scratch. Can you tell me how to do that if I cannot access any government aid. As a convicted felon, I have no chance of renting an apartment, getting food stamps, or even getting any federal aid for education. As a convicted felon, I will be unable to get any sort of a job except maybe entry level. I have a number of things against me. My age, and worst of all a felony conviction. With the help of the Second Chance Act, I had a Second Chance available. You seem to feel that it is okay to throw me away. What you fail to realize is that I am you and you sir are me. You and most people do not realize that they are but a pen stroke away from a federal indictment. The proverbial ham sandwich being indicted. Isn't it less expensive and easier to retrain people and offer them a means to support themselves than to force them to return to illegal means as a way of life? Isn't it less expensive to allow these former felons to develop self esteem and to hold their heads up and become a productive member of society? Wouldn't there be more money available for Veteran's programs if there were fewer incarcerated? Why are you and some of your respected colleagues trying to hold us down? I have never been involved in drugs, but drugs can be self perpetuating and cause a ripple effect for years to come. The felons in prison for drug offenses, need to be able to leave here and feel gain self worth and feel that they made a mistake and paid their debt and that it will not be held against them the rest of their lives. If you do not feel that this is an issue to be reckoned with, I and many like me will disagree as strongly as possible. I firmly believe that these programs outlined in the Second Chance should be administered by people who are best able to utilize the funds to the max. If the answer lies in Faith based programs, let it be so. I have no problem with that. I truly believe that these programs will help people for many years to come. This is not a stop gap measure. This is a long range plan to help people help themselves stay out of prison. Recidivism is highest among the unemployed and the unemployable. You can put an end to this. The recidivism rate among the over 50 group is about 2%. So why are the elderly being forced to stay in prison settings where the medical care is virtually non-existent. There are no provisions for the elderly in prison. We are given very little, if any preventive care. Heart attacks, strokes and in my case bleeding ulcers are rampant. 15 months ago, I was hospitalized with bleeding ulcers. I almost died here at the camp because of the incompetent care that I received. I was told that there was nothing wrong with me except for high blood sugar. This is not now and never has been a problem in my life. I was bleeding internally, but no one here recognized the symptoms. There is no managed care. There is no real food. The allotted cost for feeding inmates is somewhere around $1.62 per day per person, below the poverty level. Poor food, poor housing conditions, unclean housing units and little medical care add up to a very expensive cost of incarceration. Hospital stays for people like me are expensive. I have been hospitalized three times, the last time just this past week. I have undergone surgery that could have been prevented. I respectfully ask that you reconsider your opposition to this bill. Allow me to go home and become a productive member of the senior society. I have much to offer and would like to see my family again outside of the confines of prison. I do not want to die in here, and that is a very real fear. I am not alone in that fear. We have many women here who are older than I and in worse physical health. We are Social Security eligible and Medicare eligible, some of us are even able to work outside of the home. Allow the prison system to save the thousands of dollars a year that they spend on me and the other elderly. Take that money and put it to programs for the Vets. We are not asking for I-pods or Blackberry's or cell phones. We are asking for a chance. Certainly if you or someone that you care about were in this position, you would be pushing for this bill to pass. Our families feel the same way. I may not be able to vote now, but at some point I will again be able to vote and I would like to think that the candidate of choice is a person who is fair minded and caring. I believe that with your support and the support of other Republicans this bill, which is advocated by the Justice Department and the Bureau of Prisons and American Bar Association, the Public Defenders Association to name a few, would be passed. Sincerely, Judie Giglio Reg.No. 11197-017 Federal Correction Complex Camp P.O. Box 1027 Coleman, Fl. 33521-1027 P.S. This letter is being forwarded to your office by my daughter, as copy is being forwarded to Gene Guerro Open Society Institute and FedCure.