Gordon-Booth Applauds Biden Clemency Action on Non-violent Drug Offenses

PEORIA, Ill. – State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, is applauding President Joe Biden’s action today to commute the sentences of nearly 2,500 individuals convicted of non-violent drug offenses who are serving disproportionately long sentences compared to modern practice.

“This is a historic moment that is helping to correct failed policies that have disproportionately harmed Black and Latino communities throughout the failed War on Drugs,” Gordon-Booth said. “It’s a just action that will make our justice system more consistent, responsibly give people an opportunity for rehabilitation and reconnect families that have waited far too long.”

Those impacted by the president’s action include people who have received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes. With this action, President Biden has issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in American history.

“Today’s action is just one step,” Gordon-Booth said. “We must continue on a path of healing and restoration, and choose to responsibly invest in harmed communities that have waited too long for the help and respect they deserve. We can’t just wait for federal action; we must also push forward responsibly on the state level with smart policy that uplifts all communities.”

For more information, please contact RepJGordon@gmail.com.