Seeking response to Gov. M. Jodi Rell's budget proposal, a television news reporter surveyed businesses near the courthouse in Meriden, which the governor wouldChris Powell close. The reporter found a bail bondsman worrying that he might have to close his office too. Criminal justice apparently isn't just overhead expense for society; it's economic development. Maybe Connecticut should try putting everybody in jail. Actually, one sign that state government is getting serious about saving money will be that it is ready to put fewer people in jail. [continues 196 words]
Medical marijuana advocates took a hit last year. And they weren't happy about it. Last year, Gov. M. Jodi Rell vetoed medical marijuana legislation that passed easily through the state House and Senate. It was a significant setback for those who had lobbied for years to get Connecticut to adopt such a bill. Fast forward a year later, and medical marijuana advocates remain steadfast, emboldened by a recent position paper by the American College of Physicians (ACP). The 13-page paper was written by a dozen of doctors who threw their unanimous support behind the therapeutic use of marijuana and strongly advised that more research was needed. [continues 487 words]
