Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution designating April as Second Chance Month. The resolution honors those who work to remove unnecessary barriers preventing formerly incarcerated individuals from becoming productive members of society.
“Too often our criminal justice system is focused on punishment instead of redemption,” said Senator Cramer. “Christian faith teaches us to treat others with dignity and offer forgiveness whenever we can. Our resolution encourages individuals to safely and efficiently transition back into society, be productive members of our communities, and get a second chance at life. All life has value, and I hope to instill a message of opportunity for those rehabilitating their life in a positive direction.”
“As a former prosecutor, I have seen firsthand the challenges facing those who have been formerly incarcerated,” said Senator Klobuchar. “People are capable of change and many deserve a second chance. This bipartisan resolution to recognize ‘Second Chance Month’ will bring awareness to these barriers and promote opportunities for those who have served their time to access stable jobs, continue their education, and become productive members of society again.”
Congressmen Tony Cardenas (D-CA), Don Bacon (R-NE), Bruce Westerman (R-AR), and David Trone (D-MD) introduced the companion resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“I’ve been fighting to fix our broken criminal justice system since I started my career in the California State Assembly 27 years ago,” said Congressman Cárdenas. “Formerly incarcerated individuals who have paid their debt deserve dignity, access to rehabilitation and a second chance at life. However, our nation’s antiquated and punitive criminal justice model has created thousands of legal and social barriers that prevent them from resuming their lives as free citizens and leads to higher rates of recidivism. When you pay your debt to society and change for the better, your future should not be limited by your past mistakes.”
“Life, for the formerly incarcerated, is filled with obstacles that hinder their reintegration into society,” said Congressman Bacon. “If we want to reduce the recidivism rates in our country, we have to ensure that those who have paid their dues have a pathway back to employment, housing, and education, allowing them to return as productive members of society.”
“Every person deserves a second chance, and creating opportunities for individuals after being incarcerated and paying their debt to society is critical to breaking the cycle of crime,” said Congressman Westerman Unfortunately, many people with a criminal record face significant legal and social barriers when re-entering society after incarceration. I’m honored to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in this effort to officially recognize April as Second Chance Month to raise awareness and break down the stigmas attached to incarceration.”
“I’m proud to join Congressman Cárdenas in introducing this resolution to recognize April as Second Chance Month. We can’t expect folks returning from prison to successfully reenter society without giving them the proper tools and resources to do so,” said Congressman Trone. “As the co-founder and co-chair of the Second Chance Task Force, I’m committed to introducing bipartisan legislation in Congress to reduce employment barriers and increase health care access to the 600,000 individuals released from state and federal prisons every year. This resolution serves as a reminder that America is a nation of second chances, and it’s on us, America’s lawmakers, to ensure returning citizens are better equipped to rebuild their lives.”
Prison Fellowship also shared its support.
“We applaud the Senate and House sponsors of the Second Chance Month resolution for this recognition of the power of redemption and the need to unlock opportunity for people who have served their time,” said Heather Rice-Minus, Executive Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at Prison Fellowship. “This resolution reflects values shared by Prison Fellowship and more than 750 partners who believe that Americans with a criminal record can rise from their past and reach their God-given potential. We urge Senator Klobuchar and Cramer’s colleagues to join them in supporting and swiftly passing this Senate resolution.”
Background:
Last year during a tour of the North Dakota State Penitentiary, Senator Cramer met with participants of the Prison Followship Academy, which takes a biblical and restorative approach to preparing individuals affected by crime and incarceration for life after prison. He also visited the Restoring Promises Unit, a program to repurpose housing units and offer peer mentorship opportunities for 18–25-year-olds in the prison system, and Rough Rider Industries, which provides job skills training. Learn more here.