Pennsylvania

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John Norton, 202-999-4268
jnorton@famm.org

FAMM offers support for Pennsylvania Marijuana Pardon Project

HARRISBURG – FAMM Pennsylvania State Policy Director Maria Goellner issued the following statement in support of the Pennsylvania Marijuana Pardon Project announced by Governor Tom Wolf, Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman, and the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons today.

“The Pennsylvania Marijuana Pardon Project will positively impact the lives of thousands of people — this is a great initiative,” said Goellner. “This is an excellent way for Governor Wolf to build on his legacy of granting pardons, which had become a rarity under predecessors in both political parties. We hope the project serves as a model for future mass clemency projects in Pennsylvania.”

The pardon project allows people whose only criminal history is related to two specific types of marijuana convictions to apply for a one-time mass pardon event this September. Applicants will have a merit review in October and a public hearing in December to determine whether their pardon will be granted.

FAMM has been advocating for more opportunities for second chances through its Second Chance Agenda in Pennsylvania and supports efforts like this initiative that would give people an opportunity to rebuild their lives. Pennsylvania has the highest incarceration rate in the Northeastern U.S. and the second-highest number of people serving life without parole sentences in the country. By implementing evidence-based sentencing reforms, state lawmakers can save taxpayer dollars or redirect those savings to proven alternatives to reduce crime and recidivism.

For nearly three decades, FAMM has united the voices of affected families, the formerly incarcerated, and a range of stakeholders and advocates to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. FAMM’s focus on ending a one-size-fits-all punishment structure has led to reforms to sentencing and prison policies at the state and federal levels and is paving the way to programs that support rehabilitation for the 94% of all prisoners who will return to our neighborhoods one day.

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FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safely reduce incarceration, save taxpayer dollars, and keep families together. Founded in 1991, FAMM has secured bold sentencing and prison reform across the country while elevating the voices of directly impacted individuals and families.

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