Bush Signs Legislation Meant to Help Ex-Cons Stay out of Jail
Jail is hardly smooth sailing. But the nation's high level of recidivism shows that most inmates find integrating back into the community just as tough.
That could soon start changing with a measure President Bush signed into law today. Known as the Second Chance Act, the bill provides $330 million in federal funding for an array of programs—from employment services to housing to substance-abuse treatment—aimed at helping prisoners re-enter the community successfully.
With such a major boost in funding, drafters hope the legislation will kick-start more activity on a state and local level and ultimately reshape the conversation on prisons toward re-entry programs. The bill includes $115 million in competitive grants to state and local government as well as private groups to develop comprehensive re-entry programs. It includes an additional $55 million in state and local grants to implement best practices for re-entry programs. There's also money for a pilot program to help nonviolent elderly inmates get out of jail.
The scope of the legislation is significant but so is the coalition behind it. The broad base of political support reaches across ideological lines and is reflected in the measure's sponsors, who range from Democratic Sens. Joseph Biden (Delaware) and Patrick Leahy (Vermont) to Republican Sens. Sam Brownback (Kansas) and Arlen Specter (Pennsylvania).
"The enthusiasm about it is just so high," says Jessica Nickel, director of government affairs for the Council of State Governments. "It's been a true left-right coalition."
—Emma Schwartz
Tags: Bush administration
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out of prison 9years no trouble still hard too get career started
I went to truck driving school, have numourous endorsments,no problems getting in any trouble since 9years ago .People who do hire me are corupt or get over on you knowing youre desperate an probally cant do no better.I have too pray hard all ways too keep the atitude of racism, hate,out of my life.No matter how long it takes i got too not give up.Hope i can meet some who understands,not looking too be rich just too have a place of peace an able too pay bills most of all thank God every day for that blessing.
so many people need help!
I have 3 sons who went thru prison years ago,have not gotten in any trouble I mean over 7 or more years,they can not find job that will help them to be that real man ,real Father, only a few days or temp. service, You tell them you was in prison they say okay,But when it is time to put in for the true position , they will say I am so sorry you have a record.I told them it is like you are happy for these people to do something wrong I asked the Gov's. office some questions and he said he could not help me,when a person is in prison you work and save your money to use to take trades and classes to better your self when you get out ,1.you have to have a place to live and pay the probation people money within 24 hrs. now think you have no job.I thought Obama said we have to forget the past,is it only for some people,like the BIG ONES that have Money, what happen to the grants the State had to help Ex-Prisioners?
seeking work
my name is monique bowens.
iam looking for some kind of employment for my brother.
he does not have an email address,or access to computer.
He does a telephone number,if someone can please contact me
through my email i can provide his number as soon as possible.
thank you
Monique
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