• Need-to-Know News: March 23, 2012

    March 23, 2012

    Updates from Us

    • State Policy Director Tracie Gardner and Board Member Robert Fullilove of Columbia University will be presenting at the "Removing the Bars: TAKE ACTION 2012" conference on March 24. Follow this link for more information on their session, "Legal Health Rights & HIV/AIDS in Prison."
    • LAC Vice President Anita Marton will be a featured speaker at a March 29 forum on the Rockefeller Drug Laws on Harlem. Use this link for more information on the forum.
    • As we said earlier this week in our action alert, now is the time to call the New York Assembly in support of legislation giving judges the discretion to shorten the term of probation (bill No. A8089). See our full alert on the issue for details.

    Also in this issue:

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  • NY Action Alert: Show Support for Judge Discretion in Probation Sentencing

    March 21, 2012

    Make Your Call to the Assembly Now!

    Background

    As you likely know, the executive budget included a proposal to allow judges to shorten the term of probation (bill No. A8089). For example, instead of automatic five-year probation terms for people convicted of felonies, the governor's proposal would allow judges to choose between three, four and five years. Similarly, misdemeanor probation terms could be two or three years rather than the automatic three years.

    The proposal is currently included in the Assembly's one-house bill, "Graduated Sentencing for Probation Terms," but the Senate did not include it in its one-house bill.

    Action Needed

    Please call the Assembly now to urge that the proposal remain in the budget as it negotiates with the Senate. Some key legislators to reach:

    Next Steps

    We'll inform you of any updates on this critical issue as soon as we have them. Thank you for your support!
    See more of our work on the 2012-2013 budget at Budget Central.

  • Action Alert: We Need You to Help Save ATI/Reentry Funds in NYC!

    June 20, 2011

    You Can Make the Difference With Just a Phone Call


    With city budget talks likely to wrap up soon, now is the time to urge the City Council to restore critical ATI/reentry funding. Following up on our huge rally last week -- made successful only with your help -- we and fellow members of the New York ATI/Reentry Coalition hope you'll join us in an all-out advocacy push this week:

    • Call members of the budget negotiating team to tell them that ATI/Reentry programs need to be a priority for a "smart on crime" future in New York City. Cuts to our programs now will only cost the city more later -- in dollars and in public safety. Follow this link to make your calls -- to the Council members' main offices and to district offices -- today!

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  • Need-to-Know News: June 10, 2011

    June 10, 2011

    Updates from Us

    • We hope you'll join us and the rest of the NY ATI/Reentry Coalition as we rally at City Hall on Monday for restored funding for these critical programs. Follow this link for the full action alert, and please pass it on!
    • The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has cited LAC as a resource in its newly launched website dedicated to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act.

    Also in this issue:

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  • Reminder: Join Us Monday for ATI/Reentry Rally on City Hall Steps!

    June 10, 2011

    Urge the Council to Restore Funding for Critical Programs


    With budget talks under way, now is the time to urge the City Council to restore critical ATI/reentry funding. We hope you'll come out for our rally and press conference on Monday to show your support!

    Rally details:

    • When: Monday, June 13, at 11:45 a.m.
    • Where: City Hall steps (see map)
    • Featured guests: Brooklyn District Attorney Charles J. Hynes; Council members Elizabeth Crowley, Daniel Dromm, and Peter Vallone Jr.
    • What to bring: Signs and loud voices to show your support! (Note on signs: Security at City Hall requires that there be no metal or sticks attached.)
    • Contact: LAC's state policy director, Tracie Gardner, at (347) 585-1380

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  • NYC Action Alert! Rally to Urge Council to Restore ATI/Reentry Funds

    June 08, 2011

    Last Chance to Make Our Voice Heard on the New York City Budget!


    As many of you know, members of the New York ATI/Reentry Coalition have sustained devastating cuts in city funding over the past few years, even as our crucial work has helped to make our communities safer while saving millions of taxpayer dollars.

    Now, the City Council has concluded its budget hearings and is working on the budget for the 2012 fiscal year, due June 30. This means time is running out for us to persuade them to restore critical funding for ATI/Reentry programs in New York City.

    That's where you come in: Teaming up with city officials who believe in the importance of our work, the coalition is holding a rally and press conference on the steps of City Hall on Monday, June 13. Please join us in taking a stand for ATI/Reentry!

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  • ASAP Action Alert: Call Today on PNA Funding!

    March 16, 2011
    From our partners at the Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers of New York (ASAP):
    TELL LEGISLATORS TO RESTORE FULL PNA FUNDING FOR INDIVIDUALS IN OASAS-LICENSED RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FACILITIES


    Call and/or email your Senators and Assemblymembers today! The joint budget conference subcommittees will be meeting today, and ASAP staff will attend several of the hearings. It is imperative that our voice is heard today and through the rest of the week on several issues, noted below.

    MESSAGE TO LEGISLATORS:

    1) Assembly: Please ensure that the Senate proposal to cut the Personal Needs Allowance to $45 for individuals in OASAS licensed residential treatment facilities is not included in the final budget.
    Senate: Please restore the full PNA for individuals in OASAS licensed residential treatment facilities.

    2) Assembly and Senate: Please restore cuts to gambling prevention.

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