STATE LEADERS

Representative Bowman Seeks to Repeal Automatic Sentencing

State Representative Jo Ann Bowman (Flemming Fellow `99) is working on a major campaign in next year’s session will be a ballot measure to repeal Ballot Measure 11, which passed in November 1995. Measure 11 has the effect of a "one strike and you’re out" law–persons convicted of certain crimes automatically receive prison sentences, and those 15 and older are automatically tried to adult court. The effect of Measure 11 on juveniles and communities of color has been devastating, according to Bowman, and she has been actively collecting signatures for its repeal. To date, she has collected well above the 68,000 signatures required. As a member of the Hearings Officer Panel Oversight Committee, Bowman is well aware of the impact of mandatory minimum sentencing on juveniles and minorities. With a disproportionate number of minorities housed in the country’s prisons and the lack of adequate school funding especially in lower income areas, mandatory minimum sentences only further ensures a growing prison population. "Forty-eight percent of those affected are people of color even though people of color only make up 5% of Oregon’s population," says Bowman, "This measure only further ensures a growing prison population negative impact on communities of color and poor communities because if you have the resources to hire an attorney you are less likely to be effected by the measure." To repeal Ballot Measure 11, Bowman has organized a coalition made up of 4,700 members, including grassroots organizations and community members, many of whom voted for this measure back in 1995 because it was sold as "getting tough on career criminals." They did not realize the effect on juveniles and first time offenders. A repeal of Measure 11 will give more discretion back to courts. Says Bowman, "The time has come to have a real discussion on the justice system and how inequitable the system can be if you have no resources," says Bowman.