• Federal Advocacy Alert: Urge Sen. Schumer to Co-Sponsor Second Chance Reauthorization Act!

    July 28, 2011
    The Second Chance Act is up for reauthorization! LAC and HIRE celebrated passage of this legislation in 2008 because it authorizes grants that help states and communities begin to address the problem of mass incarceration and the needs of people returning home. These grants support alternatives to incarceration, addiction and mental health treatment, and critical reentry services including mentoring, job training and education opportunities, and housing.



    The Second Chance Reauthorization Act, S. 1231, seeks to:

    • Consolidate and improve those grant programs;
    • Reauthorize the Second Chance Act's programs for five years; and
    • Increase the amount of funding authorized over that period of time.


    Follow this link for a brief description of the Second Chance Reauthorization Act.

    Take Action!

    

Now, we need your help. It is essential that Senator Schumer hear that you, his constituent, support reauthorization of the Second Chance Act. You can help by contacting Senator Schumer's staff in Washington, D.C., and in New York asking him to become a co-sponsor and prioritize swift passage of the Second Chance Reauthorization Act. Call or email him now! 



    Sample Talking Points



    "I live in New York, and I would like to ask Senator Schumer to co-sponsor reauthorization of the Second Chance Act and to prioritize swift passage of this important legislation with the highest possible levels of funding authorized for alternatives to incarceration, addiction treatment, and reentry services."

    You can also add, "Reauthorizing the Second Chance Act will make communities safer by helping them to better address the needs of people with criminal records so they can reenter the community as successful, productive, and taxpaying members."

    Feel free to contact Sebastian Solomon or Tracie Gardner if you have any questions about the Second Chance Reauthorization Act or to discuss how you or your organization can get involved to help ensure its passage.

    Thank you for joining us in advocating for this important legislation!