Pre-Trial Drug Diversion Centers? We need legislative support.

KEEJ supporters, please read the following message and
consider calling your state senator to ask for support
for this initiative of Governor Fletcher in the upcoming assembly.
It was attempted and failed last time. Our Support is
necessary. Thank you for this consideration.
Rev. Dr. Paschal Baute.
__________

Pre-trial drug diversion (Regular Session 2007 SB 34)

Dear Dr. Baute

While Governor Fletcher's administration has worked hard to improve
enforcement on drug possession and use in Kentucky, he knows that is not
the full solution to the drug problem. Without treatment for
individuals, there will still be the demand that brings drugs into
Kentucky.



Through a collaborative effort, Governor Fletcher initiated the
"Recovery Kentucky" program, establishing 10 recovery centers across
Kentucky that will help people beat their drug and alcohol addictions in
a supportive environment. The administration also implemented the first
comprehensive statewide substance abuse treatment program in Juvenile
Justice because 57% of DJJ youth in facilities are at moderate to high
risk for substance abuse.



Earlier this year, the Governor supported Senator Kelly's SB 34 in the
2007 regular session of the general assembly. That bill would establish
a pre-trial option for accused non-violent drug users to enter secure
rehabilitation rather than waiting in jail for a trial.



Treating these individuals is not only the right thing to do, but has
the double benefit of saving the state the costs of their incarceration
as well as allowing them the opportunity to be productive citizens.



SB 34 was one of many bills that were lost in the politics of general
session, but Governor Fletcher has added it to the call for the special
session today, July 5th, so that the General Assembly will have another
opportunity to get this worthy program started.



Some members of the legislature have suggested that they do not wish to
address this issue now, but it should be something that we can all
easily agree on.



In our phone conversation you asked about the phone number to contact
your legislator. It is 1-800-372-7181.



Thank you,

Andy Hightower