SR1668 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, An estimated 65 million Americans have a criminal record, and 95% of current inmates are set to be released one day, two-thirds of whom will be released in the next five years; and

WHEREAS, Prison Fellowship, joined by a bipartisan coalition of more than 150 organizations, is seeking to reduce the social stigma and barriers that plague Americans with a criminal record; one in four adults are trying to re-enter society and become contributing members of their communities; and

WHEREAS, For far too many of those who have served time behind bars, release from incarceration brings a new kind of prison; having a criminal record limits their access to jobs, education, housing, and other things necessary for a full and productive life; any hope and new identity found while incarcerated can be quickly lost upon release when faced with the "second prison", the more than 48,000 documented social stigmas and legal restrictions that inhibit opportunities to rebuild someone's life after paying a debt to society; and

WHEREAS, It is vital to remove unnecessary barriers that prevent those with a criminal record from becoming productive members of society; we believe people with a past can rise from their failure and repay their debts, and we believe that healing is possible for our communities affected by crime; and

WHEREAS, The Second Chance Act has helped to break that cycle by providing drug treatment and job training, which makes our communities safer, saves taxpayer dollars, and most importantly, helps former inmates live out their God-given potential; the mistakes of our past do not have to define the potential for our future; by designating April as Second Chance Month, we are supporting those who are returning from prison and want a fair shot at living an honest and productive life by increasing public awareness and getting them the help they need; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare April of 2018 as "Second Chance Month"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we honor the communities, governmental entities, nonprofit organizations, congregations, employers, and individuals that work to remove unnecessary legal and societal barriers which prevent an individual with a criminal record from becoming a productive member of society; and be it further

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