Dear friend,

Good news out of Tennessee in the fight for second chances! Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced last week that he would use his clemency authority for people serving time for drug-free school zone law violations.

As part of our agenda to create second chances, FAMM has been urging state governors to use their clemency authority to commute (or shorten) excessive sentences. Clemency is especially appropriate when legislative reforms are not made retroactive.

In 2020, FAMM helped lead the effort to reform Tennessee's unjust and racially discriminatory school zone law. Unfortunately, the reform was not retroactive, and hundreds of people were in danger of being left behind.

We asked Gov. Lee and the legislature to fix their sentences, and we are grateful that the governor heeded our call. Now hundreds of people serving unjust sentences will get a second chance.

Although this victory occurred in Tennessee, we think reform can be contagious. We are hopeful that other governors will step up and provide second chances — and we will continue to do everything we can to make that happen.

Help us make that happen in 2022 and beyond with a special gift: https://secure.everyaction.com/UCT_4puDKkCSCL2maz23eQ2

Best,

Kevin Ring
President, FAMM