Congressman Danny K. Davis - Ex-Offender info page

The 2nd Chance Bill

Congressman Davis talks about a new bill dealing with Ex-Offenders:

As a result of the continuing need to find solutions to the problem of recidivism of ex-offenders we have introduced the, "Second Chance Act: Community Safety through Recidivism Prevention," This is an excellent beginning and, while it is no panacea and does not contain the kind of resources needed, it does open the door and creates opportunities for seriously coordinated work on these issues at the local, state and federal levels.

This legislation allocates federal dollars towards a variety of re-entry programs for ex-offenders. One of the main components of this legislation is the funding of demonstration projects which will provide ex-offenders with a continuum of housing, education, health, employment and mentoring services.

Specifically, the bill calls for reauthorizing the grant program through the Department of Justice for the reentry of offenders back into the community. The establishment of a task force to oversee Federal Programs and activities relating to the re-entry of offenders into the community. Reauthorization of Adult and Juvenile Offender Demonstration Projects. Establishment of a National Adult and Juvenile Offender Reentry Resource Center. Establishment of a National Institute of Justice to conduct research on offender reentry. Encouragement of Employment of Former Prisoners. Improvement of the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program and the Residential Drug Abuse Program in Federal Prisons.

The legislation also includes technical amendments to the Drug-Free Student Loan provision to ensure that it applies only to offenses committed while receiving federal aid and makes mentoring grants to community based organizations.

I have also reintroduced legislation to revive the system of parole for federal prisoners. You may read this legislation and follow its progress by clicking here.

The White House Press Secretary has issued the following statement on the 2nd Chance Act:

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

______________________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release June 23, 2004

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

This year, some 600,000 inmates will be released from prison back into society. We know from experience that if they can't find work, or a home, or help, they are much more likely to commit a crime and return to prison.

In January, the President proposed a new prisoner re-entry initiative based on expanding job training and placement services, providing transitional housing, and helping newly released prisoners get mentoring, including from faith-based groups. America is the land of second chances, and when the prison gates open, the President believes that the path ahead should be an opportunity for a better life.

Today, Representatives Rob Portman (R-OH) and Danny Davis (D-IL) introduced the Second Chance Act 2004, which includes key elements of the President's prisoner re-entry initiative. The President strongly supports their efforts, and commends the Congressmen for their leadership. We urge the House and Senate to work in a bipartisan way to get legislation passed this year that is consistent with what the President outlined.

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This page last updated: 10/24/2005