As common-sense marijuana legislation looks more and more imminent in Maine, it is imperative that we take care of those currently incarcerated for possession and sale.

State drug laws have, unfortunately, disproportionately targeted people of color. Getting people out of jail for something that is no longer a criminal offense and helping them secure jobs and housing is a crucial element to justice.

If we don’t get these people out of jail and ensure they are afforded just as much of a chance as everybody else, it would be a massive disservice to them.

Other states have already promised this. I would really love it if we could do this together as a state. States spend on average three times as much per prisoner than they do on each K-12 student. Let’s move America forward and help our fellow people.

Andrew Moreau

Portland


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