Date: Fri, 6 Jun 1997 09:10:51 -0700 (PDT)
From: Laurie McBride <laurie.mcbride@lifelobby.com>
Subject: Needle Exchange Bill passes CA State Senate  

For Immediate Release
June 6, 1997

From:  Laurie McBride
LIFE:  CA's Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender & AIDS Lobby


CA Needle Exchange Bill Passes First House

SB 885, by Senator Diane Watson (D-Los Angeles) passed the California State Senate yesterday.

On a vote of 21-17, the State Senate reversed itself.  Last week the measure failed by one vote, 20-16.  The difference?  Senator Ralph Dills had been out sick last week.  He's back, and the bill is out.

This bill would create Needle Exchange Pilot Projects in cities that want them.  SB 885 is co-sponsored by the cities of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and San Francisco, and Santa Clara County.

It is expected to pass the California State Assembly.  Activists need to start work NOW on the Governor's office.  Please note:  protests are not going to make a difference to the Governor.  We must provide statistics and anecdoctal evidence that needle exchange does not increase drug use.

Any ideas??

In the meantime...  be sure to write a letter of support to

Senator Diane Watson
California State Senate
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814