WASHINGTON: EX-OFFENDERS
DESERVE SECOND CHANCE
|
Washington |
HARRISBURG, October 16 –
State Sen. LeAnna Washington
(D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) today expressed
the need for legislation that gives
non-violent ex-offenders a “second chance”
for a better job — and a better life —
during a rally at the Capitol Rotunda in
Harrisburg.
“Pennsylvania needs a solid
Second Chance law that gives non-violent
ex-offenders a better opportunity to get a
job and become productive members of
society,” Washington said. “Right now, men
and women are leaving prisons with no place
to live, no prospects for a job and no means
of transportation. How can they be expected
to turn away from crime when their options
are so limited?
“Everyone is entitled to a
second chance, especially people who want to
do the right thing.”
Pennsylvania doesn’t have a law to regulate
the way employers accept or deny employment
because of a criminal background.
“It often takes months for ex-inmates to
find jobs, and once the criminal record
comes to light, the job interview is over,”
Washington said. “Work release programs are
good in helping ex-offenders find jobs, but
more is needed.”
Meanwhile, prisons across the state continue
to grow. In 1971, there were 5,284
Pennsylvanians in state prison, costing
taxpayers about 33 million dollars. This
year, Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
spending is expected to reach 1.6 billion
dollars for 45,000 inmates; meaning, the
state has increased spending 30 times over
since 1971.
“An ex-offender’s transition into society is
critical for everyone in the community,”
Washington said. “A good job is a key
element in an ex-offender’s rehabilitation
process. However, without a job many men and
women will turn to their former life of
crime. That puts the community in danger and
crowds our prisons.” |
