Due in large part to your great work, the Second Chance Act passed the House of Representatives on November 13 by an overwhelming vote of 347-62. Passage of the act is an important first step to reforming our criminal justice system by offering necessary programs to ex-offenders in the areas of housing, employment, mental heath and substance abuse treatment. The Second Chance Act will help reduce crime and strengthen the families of those incarcerated.
Now it is time for the Senate to act. Please contact your Senators and tell them not to wait any longer - offer a second chance to those who are coming out of prison and trying to build a better life. (Click on highlighted sentence above to read an expanded story on the Board of Church and Society website)
About the Second Chance Act
The Second Chance Act represents a bi-partisan effort to address the reentry crisis for ex-offenders. The Second Chance Act will help reduce recidivism, provide for safer communities and reduce the number of families harmfully affected by incarcerated family members.
Essentially, this bill aims to achieve the following:
- Provides grants, which focus on jobs, housing, and treating substance abuse and mental health issues
- Establishes a resource center for states, local governments, faith-based organizations, and corrections organizations to share best practices and provide training and support
- Creates a federal interagency task force to identify programs and resources on reentry and a national reentry research agenda
The Second Chance Act focuses on four crucial areas: jobs, housing, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and strengthening families. This bill has a tremendous opportunity to pass this year, but we need your help. Contact your Representative and Senator and urge them to support and co-sponsor this important bill.
Our goal is to see this passed and enacted before the end of the year and you can help make that happen!
In Christ,
Bill Mefford
Director, Civil and Human Rights
The General Board of Church and Society
100 Maryland Avenue NE
Washington, DC 20002
202-488-5600FAX 202-488-5619
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