Simmons Discusses Drug Laws With Governor

Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons met with New York's Governor GEORGE PATAKI on Tuesday (03JUN03) to discuss revising the state's drug laws.

Simmons has held a series of rallies in recent weeks to address the issue of the state's 30-year-old ROCKEFELLER laws, which require stiff mandatory sentences, even for first-time offenders.

He visited Albany on Tuesday to meet with legislators to advocate changes in the drug laws.

On 8 May (03) - the 30th anniversary of the enactment of the laws - the Def Jam co-founder launched the COUNTDOWN TO FAIRNESS campaign, and set a 30-day timetable for their repeal.

Among those who have joined him in the fight are SEAN 'P DIDDY' COMBS, Jay-Z, Nas, 50 CENT, Erykah Badu, Carly Simon, the Beastie Boys, Busta Rhymes and Redman, as well as actors Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins.