Lobby Day 2007 - Inspirational and Promising!

Partnership for Safety and Justice members and staff gathered in Salem on March 8^th to meet with their legislators and present our messages about the need for smart, sensible criminal justice reform.

Arriving members mingled with staff and other members, comparing personal stories and perspectives. Groups met together with staff prior to their legislative appointments to coordinate and perfect their presentations. Over 40 members came for 33 separate legislative appointments, most legislators seemed genuinely interested and appreciative of our time. We covered over a third of the legislature!

Sen. Avel Gordly was so impressed by our youngest participant, Chris, age 17, and the story of his 15-year-old brother who was sentenced as an adult under Measure 11, that she introduced him on the floor of the Senate saying she expected to see him there someday as a legislator!

Highlights of positive feedback from the legislators included Rep. Paul Holvey’s support of no more prison builds; Rep. Patti Smith said she “loves drug courts” and made a connection to what PSJ is doing with our bills; Rep. Mary Nolan is aware of the escalating cost of incarceration, sees no benefit to long sentences, and is very supportive of removing re-entry barriers; Rep. Mike Schaufler supports our youth justice bills; Rep. Tobias Read is concerned over re-entry barriers faced by formerly incarcerated persons; and several other comments of general support. One senator is reported to have been moved to tears.

After a tasty lunch of sandwiches and wraps, members and staff gathered in the Rotunda for a group photo:

The day was filled with inspiration and promise. Thanks so much to everyone who participated. If you would like more information about the legislative session, click here.