CREEM PARTICIPATES IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE PANEL

Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem, D-Newton, participated in a daylong lobbying
effort by the National Association of Social Workers to reform the
state's drug laws. She participated in a panel discussion with
advocates for legal reform and academics who specialize in criminal
law. The panel fielded questions from a standing-room-only crowd about
the prospects for changing what many see as the state's overly harsh
drug laws.

Creem is the main sponsor of two bills that would significantly change
drug sentencing in Massachusetts. The bills would allow prisoners who
are serving mandatory minimum prison sentences because they were part
of the drug trade to be eligible for parole after serving two-thirds
of their sentence. This change could immediately help provide
rehabilitative services, early release and post-release supervision to
hundreds of prisoners.

Creem estimates that the state could save $15 million to $20 million a
year from this reform. For that reason, the proposal has garnered the
support of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, the Massachusetts
Sheriff's Association and Families Against Mandatory Minimums.

"This reform is long overdue," said Creem. "Hopefully, the advocacy of
many groups - including the valuable assistance from the NASW - will
make my proposal a reality."

Creem's Witness Protection Plan wins approval

The Massachusetts Senate and House recently came to an agreement on a
sweeping anti-gang initiative that includes a statewide witness
protection program originally proposed by Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem,
D-Newton.

Under the bill, $1.5 million will be provided over the next two years
to establish a witness protection program allowing law enforcement
officials to provide assistance through armed protection or escort,
surveillance and short-term physical relocation if a witness is threatened.

"Too many people who witness criminal activity, such as gang violence
or domestic abuse, are scared to come forward. Our failure to protect
these people threatens the integrity of our criminal justice system
and weakens people's trust in their government and law enforcement,"
said Creem. "If individuals are brave enough to come forward and
testify at criminal trials, we must protect them."

After reaching a compromise, the legislature sent the bill to the
governor for his approval.