We joined Senator Michael Gianaris, Assemblymember Brian Kavanagh, the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law and other advocates on June 7, 2012 to endorse the New York Voter Empowerment Act. Brian Pearson, a VOCAL-NY member from Queens who is formerly incarcerated, delivered the following statement during the campaign launch at New York City [...]
Read more
Cuomo Calls For Decriminalization Of Possession Of Small Amounts Of Pot In Public Gov. Andrew Cuomo is calling on lawmakers to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana in public view. The new legislation would make the possession of 25 grams of marijuana or less, in private or public view, a violation subject to a ticket and fine rather than a misdemeanor, Cuomo [...]
Read more
VOCAL-NY leader Brian Pearson and community organizer Alfredo Carrasquillo are profiled in a June 5th article discussing the impact of minor marijuana arrests on employment. Read the full article by Alison Bowen here. Gov. Cuomo proposes changing marijuana drug laws An arrest for small amounts of marijuana can lead to a criminal record – not to mention [...]
Read more
Drug Policy Alliance | Institute for Juvenile Justice Reform and Alternatives | VOCAL-NY For Immediate Release: June 4, 2012 Contact: Tony Newman (DPA) 646-335-5384, Kyung Ji Rhee (IJJRA) 347-712-0259, Alfredo Carrasquillo (VOCAL) 718-415-9254 NY Governor Cuomo Announces Support for Closing Major Loophole in State’s Marijuana Decriminalization Law; Bloomberg and Kelly Follow Suit Advocates Applaud Governor’s Leadership Coalition Planning Massive Push [...]
Read more