On Monday, Prison Fellowship® leadership met with members of the White House and others to discuss prison reform and second chances for Americans with criminal records. Legislation is about to hit the floors of the House and Senate regarding these issues, and with White House support, these bills have a higher chance of passing.
"This White House is clearly making a commitment to move this issue forward," says Grover Norquist, founder and president of Americans for Tax Reform. "This has got to be very exciting for everybody who has been a supporter of Prison Fellowship because they really got the ball rolling [on prison reform] quite some time ago."
He adds, "The White House wants to see something forward, wants to work with the House and Senate, and has seen Prison Fellowship's leadership on this for decades."
PRESIDENT TRUMP CALLS FOR PRISON REFORM
On January 30, President Donald Trump offered support for returning citizens to receive a second chance after their incarceration. A recent Barna Group survey found that 87 percent of Americans believe that the criminal justice system should offer restoration to all of those affected by crime—the victims, the community, and those responsible.
Prison Fellowship is encouraged that the president is interested in prison reform and looks forward to working in concert with the administration to promote restorative solutions for those affected by crime and incarceration. The president should seek to pass meaningful, moral, and effective reforms that will keep our communities safe and help those reentering society to live productive lives. America is ready for reforms that truly allow people the opportunity to reach their God-given potential.
LET'S CELEBRATE SECOND CHANCES
In 2017, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution declaring April "Second Chance Month." This year, Prison Fellowship continues the national effort to reduce barriers that keep formerly incarcerated Americans from successfully rejoining society. Prison Fellowship is organizing awareness efforts, including a press event, policy briefings, Second Chance 5Ks, and "Second Chance Sunday" events held by churches nationwide.
You can also petition President Trump and your state leaders to declare April as Second Chance Month, and spread awareness with our social media campaigns.
Together we can unlock brighter futures for 65 million Americans who have repaid their debt to society.