Oregon Alert: Ask Your Representative to Support the Second Chance Act

This alert was sent to members July 19, 2006.

Nearly 650,000 people a year are being released from state and federal prisons. And across the country, too many of these people are winding up back in prison. Why? They often lack housing, job prospects, and education --- all key factors that we know affect recidivism. But the Federal Second Chance Act could change that by providing needed transition services.

The Federal Second Chance Act is a combination of policy changes and funding meant to improve the rough transition from prison to the community. The House version (H.R. 1704) establishes a federal task force on re-entry and allocates $110 million in 2006 and 2007 in grants to state and local governments for re-entry. These grants --- for housing, addiction treatment, and mentoring programs --- can directly address the biggest barriers to successful re-entry for thousands of people leaving prison and returning home to Oregon communities. (The House version differs from the Senate version, including that it allocates less funding).

Ask your Representative to Support the Second Chance Act

The Second Chance Act (H.R. 1704) is still in committee, but with enough support it could make it to the House floor for a vote. With over one hundred co-sponsors from both major parties, it clearly has support. Here are some possible points for an email to your Representative:

• I support the Second Chance Act (H.R. 1704) and hope you sign on as a co-sponsor and encourage your colleagues to send it out of committee for a floor vote.
  
• We need more funds for housing, treatment, education and mentoring for prisoners. With thousands of people every year returning to Oregon communities from prison, it's in everyone's best interest.
  
• I support any amendment that increases the allocations so that they match the Senate version --- $200 million for re-entry demonstration projects.
  
• The cost of re-incarcerating people is too high -- we have to do a better job of reducing recidivism.
  

Most of Oregon's Representatives use web-based email forms to receive email from their constituents. To locate your representative and find a link to their website, you can visit www.house.gov

Thanks for being part of the Oregon Action Alert Network for Criminal Justice Reform.