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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Reader Comments
More insite, understanding and clemency for nonvilent prisoners
I am praying that you, Mr. President, are caring enough to give clemency to the issues that I wrote you about.
Sir, I have insite on issues in Chicago, that will assist you in understanding, better, my plea for my brothers release. Sir, even as we speak, I've been railroaded and now the city of Chicago, is attempting to weezle their way out of being held accountable for what they've done.
Again, I'm proud of the work that you put in to rid Sadam Husein, but more need to be done right under our noses, here in Chicago. Sir, I have great realestate ideas for my brothers and I will dedicate myself to seeing that my youngest brother meets his criteria to stay well, but he needs to be released from Chester Mental Health Center. Patients there, are being abused terribly, lied on and there reports, including medical reports, are being altered against them. Sir, please have a heart and allow my brother in Menard to come home and live life expressing the great art and mechanic skills that he possess and my youngest brother in CMHC, to be happy with his family. He was just a kid, trying to make it home from school when his troubles started. Retaliation, is what took place and I know some of the people who's involved in this behavior.
Grants, are very helpful to people.
I am connected to one called G.R.O.U.P., and they could really use the fanancial for they are trying to combat the violence that exist with gangbangers, only there are still some "DIE HARDS", that insist on continuously making life difficult, (if we allow them to(, for our children and other loved ones.
Sir, if you can just take a moment, stop and HEAR what I'm sharing with you, I guarantee, that you'll see a bigger picture and realize that it makes sence.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to voice my thoughts and this information that so pertinect to everyday living.
Thank you.
PS: I can be reached at anytime at, (773)622-2906.
Thank you and may God Bless You!
What the second chance act does for those already incarcerated
My fiance is doing time in the FBOP and before he got into trouble he had a steady job and worked with kids in the community. I was wondering he has only been gone since Feb. 2008 is there anything that can be done to help him come home sooner than expected. He is a good family man and has never been any trouble like this before, the judge gave him the drug program and he is in a prison camp so he is in the best situation possible but we are getting married and have 3 children among us who miss him very much is there anything I can do to help reduce his time?
White collar crimes included?
Is a first time offender that was an excutive in a firm included in the second chance law... home confinement or such?
ex-con looks for help
Ive been trying to find assistence with funding for college to better the life of me and my wife and child. Im an ex-con liveing in the state of Arizona.Ive been done alot of time in prison and Im very strong about not repeating old thoughts or habits, but the problem is Ive done more time then ive been alive,so when it comes to the work force, im not very educated. due to my felonies and lack of expierience no one wants to employ someone like me.im not looking for a handout,i just want to be able to give my family a better life and it looks like if i dont do something fast, well who knows. Im not looking to get my rights back, although would be great, no, im just trying to go to school, learn a trade with the proper training so i can be a countinious provider for my family. so please anyone any where, if someone has the info , please help a young guy find the way to success....... thank you
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Federal Grants
I am interested to know if there are Federal Grants available in the state of Florida for released felons wanting to start a small business.
Apr 21, 2008 16:25:46 PM [permalink] [report comment]