FAMM: Poll Shows Floridians Favor Criminal Justice Reform

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 19, 2012 
Contacts: Greg Newburn (352) 682-2542 or Monica Pratt Raffanel, media@famm.org

GAINESVILLE, FLA. - Greg Newburn, Florida Project Director of Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM), is celebrating the results of a poll released today by Florida TaxWatch, Associated Industries and Right on Crime.

The poll asked questions about criminal justice reforms to 800 registered Republicans in Florida who identified themselves as “likely voters.” 84 percent of respondents identified themselves as “conservative, and 60 percent were age 55 or over.

Newburn says, “The poll shows Floridians overwhelmingly favor criminal justice reforms that save taxpayers money.  When more than four out of five self-identified conservative voters say they want major changes that send fewer nonviolent offenders to prison, lawmakers should take note. This poll proves that common sense reform is not only good policy, but good politics.”

Among the poll results, 84 percent support major changes in the system that can send fewer nonviolent offenders to prison and instead look to more cost-effective alternatives, and 72 percent agree that fewer people convicted of nonviolent crimes should be sent to prison and the savings should be directed to creating a stronger probation and parole system.

Newburn continues, “Reforming mandatory minimum laws is a good place to start. Florida’s mandatory minimum drug laws require courts to impose ‘one size fits all’ sentences on drug offenders, regardless of their role in the offense, need for treatment, or prior criminal record. They provide no public safety benefit but cost Florida taxpayers dearly. It’s time to reform the laws, and conservatives concerned about public safety and Florida’s budget should lead the effort.”

For more information on the poll, visit Florida TaxWatch at www.floridataxwatch.com.

Families Against Mandatory Minimums is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan organization supporting fair and proportionate sentencing laws that allow judicial discretion while maintaining public safety. For more information on FAMM, visit www.famm.org or contact Monica Pratt Raffanel at (202) 822-6700 or media@famm.org.