SEN. KITCHEN TO HOST RALLY SUPPORTING SECOND CHANCE LEGISLATION

WHO:        State Sen. Shirley Kitchen, Third District; Sharon Dietrich,Community Legal Services; Commissioner Leon King, Philadelphia Prison System; Andy Hoover, ACLU of Pennsylvania; Malik Aziz, Mayor's Office for the Reentry of Ex-offenders and Ex-offenders Association of Pennsylvania;   

WHAT:      Second Chance Legislation Rally

WHEN:     Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007
                10:30 a.m.

WHERE:  Capitol Rotunda, Harrisburg, PA

DETAILS: State Sen. Shirley Kitchen is calling for supporting legislation that would help ex-offenders get their lives back on track by giving them an equal opportunity to find employment, thereby reducing recidivism.

                Current state law allows any employer to view and consider an applicant’s criminal history information when making hiring decisions. In an attempt to protect ex-offenders’ rights, Pennsylvania law states that an employer may only consider that criminal history as it relates to “the applicant’s suitability for employment in the position for which he has applied.” However, it provides little protection for ex-offenders seeking employment.

                Media participation is welcomed and encouraged.