Governor Dannel Malloy spent part of his Monday in Danbury.  He visited the Danbury headquarters of Midwestern Connecticut Council of Alcoholism.  MCCA provides substance abuse prevention, evaluation and treatment services in the greater Danbury area.  He heard from someone who is 15 months clean and now gainfully employed.  He discussed with them about what Connecticut needs to do to move toward a Second Chance Society.

Malloy says that initiative, in part, redefines simple possession of drugs for personal use as a misdemeanor.  He says that will ensure resources and tools are available to reintegrate into society and lead productive lives.

The proposals focus on treatment rather than prison for those with addiction.

Malloy says there's 500 people in the criminal justice system on possession charges and it costs the state $120 for each person each night.  He'd rather see that money spent on recovery programs, supportive housing and maintenance of other programs.

MCCA, established in 1972, has locations in Danbury, New Milford, Bethel, Ridgefield, Kent and elsewhere.