I haven't had the time to work on this as much as I'd hoped, but have been able to talk to about 21 legislators.  5 were onboard from the gitgo.  14 were open but either not in agreement or had no opinion.  All 14, after discussion of the talking points, agree that legalization should at least be considered.  2 were strictly opposed regardless.  

All have concerns about public perception.

There is a concern about the resources directed towards vice and non-victim crimes, especially with the current tight budgets.  Discussions are underway to conduct a study to determine how much is being spent and if it’s really doing any good.  The recent news programs about the massage busts helped alot on this front.

JTH

Can you forward the names?  I think it would be nice if sent monitary support to Representatives who support legalization!

I don't think any of them would be very appreciative of names going public at this point, especially since several of them are generally fairly conservative and come from conservative districts.  And, since a portion of my income comes from writing papers for them I really don't want to get on their bad side too quickly.

But, here's what everyone can do:

1 - There's need for public education (about 57% of MN citizens are against legalization or decrim, mostly due to lack of information).  Beginning in about 4 weeks (time for news to settle from this legislative session) you can write to your local papers, strib, pioneer press, etc. and call radio and tv shows and stations.  

Comments can be purely from a taxpayer standpoint: In 2002 approx $4.9 million was spent enforcing prostitution laws throughout MN - do taxpayers really want their money going to find out who's doing what in their bedrooms?  Wouldn't we rather those resources be used to fight real crimes?

From an effectiveness standpoint: Current laws do more harm than good - is this what we want?

Or from a civil liberties standpoint.

I'll post an update of the talking points in the next week or two to give everyone ideas on stuff to write and talk about.


2 - Beginning in late July start writing to legislators.  You can include a copy of the talking points and/or your thoughts on the issue.  Letters s/b brief.

There are an estimated 2,200 people working as providers in MN, an estimated 72,000 clients, and some posts on the MN TER board have indicated over 600 reads (likely about 500 individuals I'd guess - Mod?).  There are easily enough just in those numbers to make a difference, not including all of the people not directly involved who are for either legalization or decrim.

Once legislators feel like they can safely express either a pro-decrim position or a 'it's worth looking at' position without jeapordizing their reelection they'll do so.  For legislators there's comfort in numbers.  Anything that can be done for other states, particularly WI, IO, ND, SD to help with their efforts woudl be beneficial.  The only other state I'm aware of seriously considering legalization at this time is GA.