[Mtnorml-list] Action Alert: Urge Senators to Support SB-326

[Montana NORML]

Yesterday we let you know that the Montana Senate had just barely passed 
SB-326, a medical marijuana program improvement bill, by a vote of 
25-24. That was the bill's "second reading", and there is one more step 
for the bill to move forward: the "third reading" (Diagram: 
http://tinyurl.com/montana-bill-process )

The third reading of SB-326 is expected on Tuesday. Because the vote was 
so close, we must now target our communication at certain Senators who 
could make the difference. Here they are:

Most important is the Senator who was not present yesterday:

* Larry Jent, D-Bozeman

These next three need a THANK YOU for being among few Republicans who 
voted FOR SB-326 on Saturday.

* Jerry Black, R-Shelby
* John Brueggman, R-Polson
* Bruce Tutvedt, R-Kalispell


And finally these six might be convinced to change their NO vote to a 
YES vote on Tuesday if they hear from you:

* Joe Balyeat, R-Bozeman
* Aubyn Curtiss, R-Fortine
* Jeff Essmann, R-Billings
* Bradley Hamlett, D-Cascade
* Rick Laible, R-Darby
* Sharon Stewart-Peregoy, D-Crow Agency


If one of these Senators represents your neck of the woods (Check here: 
http://nris.mt.gov/gis/legislat/2009/ ), it's especially important for 
YOU to get in touch with them!  But EVERYONE should start out at the top 
of the list above and reach out to as many senators as you can.


HOW TO CONTACT THESE SENATORS:

  CALL: 406-444-4800 (M-F 7:30-5)
   FAX: 406-444-4875
EMAIL: http://leg.mt.gov/css/sessions/61st/legwebmessage.asp

Always be brief and respectful, and urge these Senators to support 
SB-326 this coming week.

The most recent bill language, including changes that remove insomnia 
and anxiety from the list of qualifying conditions, clarify that 
landlords are not be required to permit a caregiver operation on their 
property, and direct DPHHS to create rules for conducting state 
inspections of large gardens, is here: 
http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/2009/billhtml/SB0326.htm

For patients, SB-326 represents a great improvement to Montana's medical 
marijuana program.


Please make some time this evening or Monday to contact the above 
Senators. Your message could be the one that makes the difference.


--

John Masterson
Montana NORML
http://www.montananorml.org