Maryland Gov. Backs Treatment Plan to Fight Drugs July 23, 2004
News Summary
Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich Jr. has created a panel to coordinate Maryland's approach to fighting drug misuse and voiced support for a plan that would provide drug treatment as an alternative to prison for nonviolent offenders, the Washington Post reported July 21."In regard to treatment, I believe in it," Ehrlich said. "We know treatment works. The facts are, treatment works."
Heading the new Maryland State Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council is Andrew Sonner, a retired judge of the Maryland Court of Special Appeals and former Montgomery County prosecutor.
The panel will be responsible for overseeing the efforts of county alcohol and drug councils that were established by the General Assembly. The law earmarks $3 million to establish treatment programs.
Maryland is among a group of states including Arizona, California, and Texas that has turned to diversion programs to reduce prison populations. According to a recent study by the Justice Policy Institute, Maryland ranks third nationwide in the percentage of state prison admissions for drug offenses.
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