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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, An estimated 65 million Americans have a criminal
3record, and 95% of current inmates are set to be released one
4day, two-thirds of whom will be released in the next five
5years; and
 
6    WHEREAS, Prison Fellowship, joined by a bipartisan
7coalition of more than 150 organizations, is seeking to reduce
8the social stigma and barriers that plague Americans with a
9criminal record; one in four adults are trying to re-enter
10society and become contributing members of their communities;
11and
 
12    WHEREAS, For far too many of those who have served time
13behind bars, release from incarceration brings a new kind of
14prison; having a criminal record limits their access to jobs,
15education, housing, and other things necessary for a full and
16productive life; any hope and new identity found while
17incarcerated can be quickly lost upon release when faced with
18the "second prison", the more than 48,000 documented social
19stigmas and legal restrictions that inhibit opportunities to
20rebuild someone's life after paying a debt to society; and
 
21    WHEREAS, It is vital to remove unnecessary barriers that
22prevent those with a criminal record from becoming productive

 

 

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1members of society; we believe people with a past can rise from
2their failure and repay their debts, and we believe that
3healing is possible for our communities affected by crime; and
 
4    WHEREAS, The Second Chance Act has helped to break that
5cycle by providing drug treatment and job training, which makes
6our communities safer, saves taxpayer dollars, and most
7importantly, helps former inmates live out their God-given
8potential; the mistakes of our past do not have to define the
9potential for our future; by designating April as Second Chance
10Month, we are supporting those who are returning from prison
11and want a fair shot at living an honest and productive life by
12increasing public awareness and getting them the help they
13need; therefore, be it
 
14    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL
15ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare April of
162018 as "Second Chance Month"; and be it further
 
17    RESOLVED, That we honor the communities, governmental
18entities, nonprofit organizations, congregations, employers,
19and individuals that work to remove unnecessary legal and
20societal barriers which prevent an individual with a criminal
21record from becoming a productive member of society; and be it
22further
 

 

 

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1    RESOLVED, That the people of the State of Illinois
2commemorate Second Chance Month through actions and programs
3that promote awareness of collateral consequences and provide
4closure for individuals who have paid their debts.