KITCHEN’S CAPITOL RALLY SUPPORTS ‘SECOND CHANCE’ LEGISLATION

            HARRISBURG, APRIL 21 — Surrounded by men and women whose past criminal records have prevented them from becoming productive members of society, state Sen. Shirley Kitchen today hosted her annual rally on the steps of the State Capitol to support legislation that would provide real solutions for non-violent ex-offenders who are looking for employment.

            “Too many non-violent ex-offenders are judged solely by their record, no matter how minor that record is and no matter how long ago it took place,” Kitchen said. “They want to better themselves. They want to get a steady job and contribute to society. They deserve a second chance.

            “Even people who go to prison for a crime they didn’t commit, and are exonerated, still have a record and can’t make up for the time they spent in prison, she said. “We must give non-violent ex-offenders, as well as exonerated prisoners the opportunity to get a decent job or rent an apartment without the fear of rejection because of a distant past that they are trying to leave behind.”

            An advocate for prisoner reform and rehabilitation programs, Kitchen has been an ongoing activist for non-violent ex-offenders who have trouble seeking employment, education and housing. This is the sixth year that the senator has raised awareness about Second Chance legislation.

            Among the guest speakers and supporters were representatives from Community Legal Services, the Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project, the Pennsylvania ACLU, and the NAACP Prison Society.

            State law currently 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, the law states that employers may only consider that criminal history as it relates to the job. The law provides little protection for ex-offenders seeking employment, education or even renting an apartment.

            “Without a job and suitable place to live, ex-offenders may easily return to crime. If they’re caught, they’ll return to jail for a period of time. Then they’ll be put back on the street to face the same lack of opportunity,” Kitchen said. “We must break this cycle, and solid ‘second chance’ legislation is a positive way to help people who want to do the right thing.”

            Pennsylvania has already taken some steps to combat recidivism and help non-violent ex-offenders.

            Act 134 of 2008 allows individuals with summary offenses to request that their local court expunge an offense from their record five years after they complete their sentence. Summary offenses include crimes like disorderly conduct and shoplifting.

            Act 81 of 2008 allows courts to sentence non-violent offenders to intensive rehabilitation programs while in prison and provide for strict parole supervision after their release. This law provides non-violent offenders with life skills that will help them to become good citizens when they are released from prison.

            “These laws are solid starts, but we need to do more,” Kitchen said. “Providing non-violent ex-offenders with job opportunities helps the economy, reduces the recidivism rate and reduces potential future crimes in neighborhoods.”

            It also saves taxpayers the growing costs of incarcerating repeat offenders, she continued.

            “According to this year’s budget proposal, Pennsylvania taxpayers will pay $1.8 billion to jail more prisoners and build more prisons,” Kitchen said. “Enacting laws that would reduce recidivism and reduce the growing cost of housing offenders is simply common sense.”

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