HR0294 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0294 LRB103 32364 LAW 61765 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The United States has almost 2,000,000 of its people in prison, which is more than any other developed nation in the world; and

WHEREAS, The vast majority of the men and women in our prisons, approximately 95%, will eventually return to their communities; and

WHEREAS, Few of those who return to their communities are prepared for their release and often face barriers reintegrating into society, such as serious physical and mental health problems, limited housing options, and inadequate education or qualifications to hold a job; and

WHEREAS, One-third of all correction departments provide no services to released offenders, and most departments do not offer a transitional program, placing a heavy burden on families and communities; and

WHEREAS, Two-thirds of persons released will be rearrested for new crimes within the first three years after their release; and

WHEREAS, Congressman Danny K. Davis sponsored the Second Chance Act of 2007 for the purposes of providing transitional assistance to ex-offenders in coping with the challenges of reentry, reducing recidivism, helping to reunite families and protect communities, and enhancing public safety; and

WHEREAS, The Second Chance Act of 2007 was signed into law on April 9, 2008; and

WHEREAS, The Second Chance Act of 2007 provides grants to state and local governments to promote the safe and successful reintegration of offenders into the community upon their release; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare July 3, 2023 and July 3, 2024 as Illinois Citizens Reentry Day, to be observed in recognition of Congressman Danny K. Davis' work in helping to provide ex-offenders with a second chance and opportunity to reenter society as productive citizens and to encourage continuing support of such citizens as they reenter their communities; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Congressman Danny K. Davis with our esteem and respect.