PRISONERS FOR LIFE? When a nation does not view incarcerating 2.3 million people as productive the issue of how much time we spend attempting to rehabilitate ex-felons becomes huge. It is very difficult to turn your life around if you are found guilty of a felony in America.
[More on these issues on the (unofficial blog on the congressional black caucus CREW OF 42!]
[More on these issues on the (unofficial blog on the congressional black caucus CREW OF 42!]
PRISONERS FOR LIFE? When a nation does not view incarcerating 2.3 million people as productive the issue of how much time we spend attempting to rehabilitate ex-felons becomes huge. It is very difficult to turn your life around if you are found guilty of a felony.
Obviously, any future potential employer is far more likely to hire a person without a record. The country pays a huge price for incarceration ($63 billion a year) and may be paying an even larger one in lost production regarding people who are stamped prisoners for life. Below is a recent comment I received on the matter. It puts attention on a particular piece of legislation that is what makes the Congressional Black Caucus different from other Congressional caucuses: They routinely stand up for causes that are unpopular for people who are out of favor.
Dear Constituent,
Do you support H.R. 1529 The Second Chance Act of 2009? H.R. 1529 has died in committee since the year 2000. If H.R. 1529 were to become law it would allow first-time, non-violent, ex-federal offenders to petition the court for an expungement (if they meet the bills requirements). H.R. 1529 will not cost the tax payers a dime; it will also reduce recidivism, crime, unemployment and welfare. H.R. 1529 would increase employment and lift the strain of the recession. Congressman Rangel Sponsors H.R. 1529 and re-introduced the bill on March 16, 2009.
My name is Jaime Woodard I am the founder of a website called We Deserve Our Lives Back.com and the co-host of a podcast called Fantastic Felons which is on I-tunes. Ten years ago I was accused and convicted of theft of mail by an officer or employee. I served ten months at Fairton Correctional Facility in Cumberland County. I have earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from New Jersey City University. I applied and was accepted to Kean University’s M.S.W. program but had to with draw due to my work schedule and the Universities cut backs which ended morning, weekend and on line M.S.W. courses. I’m currently applying to Rutgers University’s M.S.W program.
A first-time, non-violent, ex-federal felon has no chance to ever get their record expunged. There are over 800 people who signed a petition in support of H.R. 1529 on We Deserve Our Lives Back.com, and at least half a million people who need H.R. 1529 to become law. H.R. 1529 needs more co-sponsors from Congress. I am lobbying for this bill but I need your help. I want to end by saying; I need more guidance and support from members of Congress, the media, authors, support groups and all who believe in second chances.
Sincerely,
Jaime Woodard
jaimelwoodard@gmail.com
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[More on these issues on the (unofficial blog on the congressional black caucus CREW OF 42!]