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P.L. 110-199, The Second Chance Act of 2007
- This item is from the 110th Congress (2007-2008) and is no longer current. Comments, voting, and wiki editing have been disabled, and the cost/savings estimate has been frozen.
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There was no up-or-down vote in the Senate.
Visitor Comments 
Diana Benitez
April 20, 2007, 7:29pm (report abuse)For me and my family is so important because my kids need a father to be with then he made a mistake but he learn the lesson we need him, he is a good men.
Walkerfountaine
April 22, 2007, 9:01pm (report abuse)Everyone should be entitled to a second chance. But what good is a second chance to an inmate if that individual is being released back to the community without some kind of help towards employment, housing and education .
M Bennett
April 23, 2007, 11:28am (report abuse)In order not to spend an average of $24,000 per year of incarceration, let's be proactive and give these people a chance when they get out so that they become productive members of society once again. It would benefit not only the released, but also society as a whole.
S MORIN
April 23, 2007, 11:38am (report abuse)IF YOU KEEP DOING THE SAME THING, YOU'LL KEEP GETTING THE SAME RESULT.We need to change the way we are handling incarceration. Instead of making it difficult for inmates to stay out of prison, we need to implement programs like those offered in the second chance act, to stop this revolving door.Please write your representatives,ask them to vote for The Second Chance Act. Thank you.
Liana Clark
April 23, 2007, 11:57am (report abuse)We need to get prisons from being so overcrowded. Why not rehab the prisoners, stop the revolving door of the prisons as it is now. It would save alot of dollars per year for everyone and benefit society greatly. Most of the offenders are not bad people, they have just made bad choices in their lives. Come on....lets teach them how to live with the help of this second chance act.
donnaK
April 24, 2007, 7:08pm (report abuse)Any politican trying to decide whether to support this or not should only be asking himself this question. "So how is what we are doing working for us now?" It is NOT WORKING period so lets go about this with a better supportive approach. There are untold stories of families torn apart by a persons bad decison. Not every person in prison is BAD, some just made a very bad decision of course there are others that we as society see should never be released. Let's move forward and give inmates a REAL CHANCE AT SUCCESSFUL reintergration. We already KNOW more than 70% will return to prison under the present circumstances.
donnak
L MATTOX
April 29, 2007, 4:14pm (report abuse)THIS BILL NEEDS TO BE PASSED.
EDUCATE AND GIVE OFFENDERS A CHANCE
TO SUCCEED.
Braedy Brigham
May 4, 2007, 9:22am (report abuse)I am for and against this act, I think it depends on the crime that you commit. you should not get a 2nd chance if you ruined someone elses life in some way, but if you did something harmless to others and it is really not a big crime then i think then maybe you deserve a second chance.
cathy moreno
May 14, 2007, 2:59pm (report abuse)I pray this bill gets passed. Everyone makes a mistake, everyone deserves a 2nd chance.
Bill Abby
May 16, 2007, 11:20am (report abuse)This bill needs to be passed and as quickly as possibly.When he inmates get out of prison currently, there is so much held against them. that they can't get a job or be a normal citizen again.Give them a chance to get stated again
Maggie
May 16, 2007, 6:41pm (report abuse)Please pass this bill.
It will be much more cost effective to provide inmates with education, and support while they re-establish themselves in clean, sober and law abiding lives.... and think of the people who will be saved from the wrongs they would commit.
diamond
May 20, 2007, 10:59pm (report abuse)I think crimes and punishment should be matched. A person charged with making CD's should not be given a Federal crimes offense sentence. They have not caused harm to anyone and if they are disabled and trying to provide a living for them selves with under 100.00 dollars every couple of months being earned i feel 2yrs federal prison time is rediculus. Make the punishment fit the crime. This is money that could have been saved by the federal government. If you feel you have to punish these persons let it be with helping in a rehab facility as community service.
I hope this bill passes as reduced sentencing and also makes the federal government look at what they measure crimes and punishment.
F
Ben
June 7, 2007, 1:25pm (report abuse)Everyone knows that this is the right thing to do. When little children get into trouble we don't lock them up until we think they have learned there lesson. No, we help them to learn and push them to do good things with there lives.
The people that don't vote for this bill have no understanding of how the federal system currently works and shouldn't be allowed to state there opinion. There are inmates serving 10 year or more sentences for tax fraud they didn't even know they were doing.
ONE LOVE
June 20, 2007, 12:17pm (report abuse)THIS BILL SHOULD BE PASSED! NO QUESTIONS ASKED. IT IS A GOOD THING AND AS WE ALL KNOW THERE ARE TO MANY GOOD AND DECENT PEOPLE WHO GET MIXED UP IN THE WRONG THINGS. THEY DESERVE A CHANCE TO MAKE RIGHT AND MOVE ON WITH THERE LIVES.
Going In
June 24, 2007, 11:51am (report abuse)As someone who is currently in the process of being indicted, though it's been a year since my offence with no recidivism and I've been spending this past year getting the psychological help I need, my biggest fear now isn't in going in or for how long as I'm looking anywhere from 5 to 10 years, I'm more concerned with how I'll be able to help support my wife and daughter when I come out. Not to mention myself if my marriage doesn't last through this.
Tx
June 26, 2007, 11:46am (report abuse)Please support this bill. It is so important to the families of the condemned.
FedCURE.org
July 7, 2007, 3:42pm (report abuse)FedCURE is the world's leading advocate for America's, ever growing, federal inmate population. We are working to reinstate parole; increase good time allowances; provide for compassionate releases; restore PELL grants; and opportunities for successful reentry into the community, for all federal offenders; and promote a system that incarcerates fewer people and provides humane conditions for those who are incarcerated or under post-incarceration supervision via parole or supervised release. Over 45,000 people were released from federal prison last year.
FedCURE
P.O. Box 15667
Plantation, Florida 33318-5667
USA
Web Site: http://www.FedCURE.org
E-mail: FedCURE@FedCURE.org
E-fax: (408) 549-8935
FedCURE.org
July 7, 2007, 3:53pm (report abuse)The CURE: America's Ailing Federal Criminal Justice System:
FedCURE.org and BNNreports.com are filming the production of a one-hour special news documentary film titled, The CURE: America's Ailing Federal Criminal Justice System (suitable for Frontline, NOW, or an independent special report for the Public Broadcasting System and their affiliates). The film would examine the ailing federal criminal justice system in the United States and the impact of two pieces of proposed federal legislation that would reduce federal prisons sentences, reduce run-a-way recidivism rates and provide for tax payer relief: (1) Legislation that would revive the system of parole for federal prisoners; and (2) "The Second Chance Act." We are seeking partners and funding for this. Contact us.
FedCURE
Web Site: http://www.FedCURE.org
E-mail: FedCURE@FedCURE.org
Links:
BNN: http://www.bnnreports.com/fedcure/fedcure-reports.html
D. WILLIAMS
July 12, 2007, 12:43pm (report abuse)PLESE PASS THIS BILL.
EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE. YOU WILL BE SPENDING MORE MONEY TO HOUSE THE INMATES, BUT IF YOU PROVIDE THEM WITH THE TOOLS AND HAVE MORE GOOD JOBS AVILABLE TO THEM THIS WILL MAKE THEM FEEL LIKE THEY ARE IMPORTANT TO THEMSELVES AND FAMILY. WE HAVE MORE TEENS OUT HERE WITHOUT THEIR FATHERS AND OR MOTHER, AND THIS IS OUR FUTURE. YOU WILL BE PUTTING GENERATIONS AND GENERATIONS BEHIND BARS BECAUSE OF NO STRONG ROLLS IN THE HOME. PASS THE GOTT DAMM BILL. STOP BUILDING EXPENSIVE HOMES, PUT MORE LEARNING CENTERS, RECS OUT. WHEN OUR LOVE ONES COME HOME HAVE THEM TO BE A MENTOR GIVR IT BACK.
C Baer
July 23, 2007, 1:57am (report abuse)What purpose does it serve to the taxpayers, community, family, or prisoner (NON-VIOLENT OFFENDER) to be incarcerated for several years? Statistics show the wife will leave the incarcerated husband after 2 years leaving the community to support them. Statistics are not good about children being raised without the influence of a father. Wouldn't the community and families be better served by these men being left home to take care of their families, being monitored, and doing community service. Some of these offenders are doctors, lawyers, investigators, teachers, and other professionals. They could be doing community service in their chosen profession helping those in need in their community and/or teaching those, that would other wise be incarcerated with them, computer skills, mechanical skills, English, or whatever skill they have that could be passed on to someone else. Prisoner teaches prisoner while they work their regular jobs. Everyone wins that way, but mostly the children.
Callie369
July 24, 2007, 2:09pm (report abuse)I am 66 years old, and every few years (my entire lifetime), we go through this. The programs have never helped. There are some who come out of prison and never go back......mainly because they just didn't like being there.
We just keep spending multi-millions of dollars for what seems to be minimal returns.
Tora Rhodes
July 25, 2007, 12:45am (report abuse)As a friend of a federal inmate, I can tell first hand taht the current system is outdated and is full of holes. This bill needs to be passed for not only the inmates but for those of us left at home to pick up the pieces of a broken home and lives while our loved one is sitting inside a cage pondering whether or not some one gives a damn. Show some compassion and pass the bill. "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."
lilly0126
July 30, 2007, 6:57am (report abuse)The entire Federal punishment system is designed to give all the power to the govt, while they dangle 'deals' for cooperation and have taken away power from judges who have become mere puppets with the 'minimum mandatory' drug laws.
Joanne
July 30, 2007, 5:53pm (report abuse)Since it was first written in 2005 I have been praying for this bill to pass and pave the way for the State Prison systems to follow the lead. We have to begin NOW to turn back the tide of de-humanizing our citizens in prisons and creating an atmosphere where they cannot succeed when they get out. The trend is truly frightning and our cities and towns don't seem any safer than before the prisons building craze.
Kelly Oden
August 5, 2007, 1:22pm (report abuse)we pray that this bill will pass. so much time for a first time offender is WRONG . There are men who have a trade and can go back to work as soon as they are released? TIME we have learned is the one thing that we"ll never get back and the leason learn we'll never forget or repeat.PLEASE PASS the Second Chance Act IN 2007.
Scott
August 10, 2007, 8:50am (report abuse)Please visit the Offender Employment blog for updates on the bill.
http://community.nicic.org/blogs/offender_employment/default.aspx
sowem
August 12, 2007, 10:58pm (report abuse)PASS THE BILL TO REINSTATE PAROLE FOR FEDERAL INMATES THEY DESERVE A SECOND CHANCE TOO!
"J"
August 14, 2007, 8:54am (report abuse)I HOPE THIS BILL IS PASSED. INCARCERATION DESTROYS FAMILY. ESPECIALLY WHEN A PERSON IS A FIRST TIME OFFENDER AND IS BLAMED FOR SOMETHING HE/SHE DID NOT DO!
KIMBERLY BAKER
August 14, 2007, 9:13pm (report abuse)PLEASE,PASS THIS BILL.WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT ALL OF THESE SENATOR AND GOVERNORS,JUDGES WHO THINK THAT THEIR GRAP DON'T STINK,AND THEY DON'T MAKE MISTAKES.WOULD THEY WANT A SECOND CHANCE IF THEY MADE A MISTAKE.I THINK 90 PERCENT OF FEDERAL PRISONERS ARE NON VIOLENT,SO WHY DO THEY GET MORE TIME THAN MURDERERS.SO PLEASE PASS THE BILL THAT ALOT OF THE NON-VIOLENT PRISONER DESERVE.
Southernbell
August 15, 2007, 3:17pm (report abuse)Everyone has had second chances - otherwise we would not be here at all. No one has the right to judge - how will you answer in the end if you prevented someone a chance at a better life - pass the bill - it's the right thing to do!
Jimmy Wiiliams
August 16, 2007, 9:28pm (report abuse)Everyone should get a second chance,we can get this bill passed! I mean even Clinton didn't inhale...right... He was A hell of President.... Help us out Here....I been out of prison for thirty five years !!!!! help us out here,,, I would love to have my Rights back....
D. WILLIAMS
August 27, 2007, 10:53am (report abuse)HEY. THIS BILL IS BACK ON THE TABLE AGAIN. I KNOW WITH IN MY HEART THAT THIS BILL WILL PASS. YES, I'AM HERE LEFT BEHIND TO PICK-UP THE PIECES OF MY LIFE WITHOUT MY HUSBAND. THE TIME THAT HE RECIEVED SEEMED LIKE HE MURDERD SOMEONE. HE DID NOT. RAISING OUR CHILDREN WITHOUT A FATHER IS HELL. I CAN RAISE MY SONS BUT I CAN'T TEACH THEM TO BE A MAN, THAT WILL HAVE TO COME FROM THERE FATHER.
CAN SOMEONE ANSWER THIS QUESTION.
ONCE THIS BILL HAS PASSED FROM THE FLOOR, HOW LONG DOES THIS PRESIDENT HAVE TO SIGN OFF ON THIS?
WE ALL HAVE A SECOND CHANCE IN LIFE.
SusanU
September 4, 2007, 4:49pm (report abuse)I have a boyfriend who made a mistake. He is a wonderful man to me and a wonderful father, son and brother as well. Consequences are due but, the price being paid is so extreme. I do not just defend him, I defend many who made a mistake and is overpaying for them. This needs to be passed as not only do the prisoners pay but their families and all loved ones pay as well.
James Swidergal
September 5, 2007, 3:05pm (report abuse)I'd vote in favor of this bill if it would include tax credits and or grants for employers who are stuck with hiring ex offenders.
June
September 5, 2007, 10:36pm (report abuse)If you ask most people in America should people get a second chance most will say yes. If not I think the goverment should not be let off for it crimes New Orleans, the Iraq War in which I was luck not to get killed in. Bushes Lying Aids but they get seconds chances. So people have mistakes in there lives that still they can not move on with. Inprisoned for life no economic freedom ever......! for one mistake..iT does not matter how smart you become and educated you are The Chains will not let you go......and that where people give up.
Lisa
September 9, 2007, 8:36pm (report abuse)Please pass this bill the time men and women are facing for non violent crimes are not fair, they are taken away from their children who are babies to one very long time return home to babies who are now grown and ruiend from their fathers or mothers spending too much time in prison for non violent crimes. Please pass this bill for the children
thebreez
September 11, 2007, 8:22pm (report abuse)We are human, the amount of time being handed out by Politians/Congress is making the Federal Judges sick. These judges have gone to Congress to stop the insane mantatory sentening. Bush gives his "buddies" a second chance. Must be nice to be in Washington, slam everyone and lets your friends off. What country is this? Not the one MY FATHER fought in 2 wars for, although I believe the name has remained unchanged.
Kelli Butler
September 15, 2007, 7:28pm (report abuse)This Bill should be passed ,the treatment of non-violent prisoners in " America" is embarassing.The prison system that I have been privy to has taught me that it is a business that makes money for the Government,they make it a revolving door because they(FBOP) get approx. 35k for each body in house.The halfway houses are a joke and not a good one,inD.C. at least the halfway house is located in "crack central"to send a man to that environment to rehab/reintergrate is deplorable.
Three of my 4 children are in the military,one son is in Iraq right now because we were proud to be Americans.Since my man was sent to a fbop for 72 months for nothing( even the court said no one was harmed or lost any money and in fact the Gov. made money) the piece of guano judge gave him the max.Let you in on a little secret all you political people, President Bush has made us all pay much more attention and we are watching you.WE WILL BE REPRESENTED!
Tyrone Wilson
September 22, 2007, 12:56pm (report abuse)I really would like to know if this Bill has been passed. I myself is an ex-offender who lives in St.Louis,MO. I am currently unemployed. I job search 5 days a week. I get interviews often, but when I inform them of the bad decision I made to sale drugs and that I am on parole. The first thing they say is that they don't hire felons. I am a high school graduate with some college. I also completed and received an certificate for Phlebotomist,Lab Tech.and EKG at Allied College. But yet it is hard to obtain employment even as a laundry worker in a hotel. If anyone could offer advice, please feel free. My email is stlarfivfoe@hotmail.com
Joni
October 1, 2007, 6:22pm (report abuse)For me and my family this bill and others like are very important. My father made a bad choice and we (the entire family) have (I think)paid the time. I know that what he did was wrong and so does he. But in our family..he is our ROCK. He has 4 grandchildren all under the age of 5 and they need their grandpa (special since the 3 oldest are boys) they need him round and so do we all. It has been 12 long years. It has not only punished him but has punished the whole family. Ever heard the saying that 2 wrongs don't make a right? Why should the families be punished too. It will haunt us for the rest of our lives and that's not right.
Taylor
October 1, 2007, 6:47pm (report abuse)I think that the bills should pass.For those of us and our families that have been thru the pain and the riticule of it all.I think that the sentences should end when they walk out of those gates. I knkow this isn't true do to the experience that my family and I have endurded because of my fathers incarseration in 1993.It's wrong that the prisoners and their families should have to continue the pain even after the time has been served. In my opinion the only person that should judge is GOD! Let's let him do his job and let these people (families and all) live their lives.
TDUB
October 2, 2007, 3:18pm (report abuse)Due to the resent outcome of the federal sentencing, I think that it is morally wrong for the courts to sentence a first time offender for so many years. These offenders have lives, and have made a misstake, they should not be punished for such a long period of time, please pass this bill, it is very important to their families as well as to them. They are very imporatant role models for not only their children but for their family as well. You would do a great justice in passing this bill. Not everyone in federal incaration deserves this type of treatment.
PASS IT
October 3, 2007, 1:52pm (report abuse)THIS BILL MUST PASS NOW. The first time offender should not be subject to extremely long sentences, the punishment is not fitting the crime. They need a second chance, why ruin their lives and that of their families in the process. TAX PAYERS should be aware of the huge amounts of money it takes to prosecute and house white collar criminals in the Federal System, when violent criminals and sex offenders get off easier. The sentencing guidelines only serve the Prosecuters for promotion into private practice after they have strongarmed the accused into making a plea, so they can have an immaculate record become a defense attorney and now defend the same people they were prosecuting. We also need to look at the Judges (appointed for life) who hand down these sentences, and I wonder how much can they possibly know of these cases. THIS BILL MUST PASS, WE NEED TO BE PERSISTENT
Vickie
October 7, 2007, 8:49pm (report abuse)This bill definitely needs to be passed. I believe that first time offenders for non-violent crimes should be let out. The offenders should be able to come back into society and be with their families. The children need both parents in thier home. Let's build more schools, not more prisons! Let them out please.
Pat (Howie)
October 13, 2007, 9:26pm (report abuse)Keeping nonviolent offenders is costing us taxpayers a lot of money. Plus they need a second chance. We need this to pass.
RLM
October 15, 2007, 11:08pm (report abuse)This bill should pass now. My husband made a mistake of translating for a family member who did not speak englishduring a drug deal and was sentenced to 6 and 1/2 years. No priors, only 1 speeding ticket and that did not help him at all. He had a steady job and was also attending college. We have two children that are missing out on having a father, while I struggle to make ends meet. Everyone deserves a second chance.
mel
October 22, 2007, 2:54am (report abuse)I do have empathy for those who have a criminal background and are trying to live legitimate lives after incarceration. I can't however trust that, if passed, our government will honestly and fairly appropriate money for this cause. It could just simply be another cash cow awaiting to be milked by corruption and diquised as an admirable solution. Is it safe to rely on Capital Hill to implement societal change??
G C
October 22, 2007, 9:26pm (report abuse)I agree that this second chance bill should pass. However, I would like to see more money invested in actual jobs for released prisoners. There is more than enough money available to prepare prisoners for reentry into society. They receive education, job preparation skills, and life skills to reduce the recidivism rate. When the prisoners are released there are no jobs available for them, most employers are afraid to hire them. I would like to see the government provide grants to employers to encourage them to hire ex-offenders. Also, I feel that this information should be made available to everyone, not a select few.
C Rollins
October 31, 2007, 4:55pm (report abuse)My daughter made a mistake.serving 28 months,then the federal judge SAID She cannot open bank accounts,charge accounts,sign lease,apply for utilities,How do you survive without doing these things?What employer will hire her? 30 yrs old,mother of two.I have seen 60 + yr old grandmothers in jail for "conspiracy"! I have seen women under go breast cancer surgery only to be returned to the facility within 24 hrs of surgery. No medications were given,though doctor's ordered them.I have seen women have to work in gardens in 110 degree heat!The majority of these women need to be home,working to support families that are now on welfare and food stamps.Let them wear ankle monitores.But let them work and be contributing to their debts, not adding to the country's debt! These women are non violent,first time offender's,no threat to anyone.What do you think their children are going to grow up to be without their mom's at home?Pass the bill now
BRIDGET
November 1, 2007, 3:00pm (report abuse)I feel prison is legalized babysitting. I just left federal prison. And for what? My children went to 6 people for the nine months I was gone, and I was not eligible because of my short sentence for any education. The government paid for my medical, housing, flight from state to state, and I was camp status so I just sat around for months waiting on my time to go by. If they sent me to prison I could have been at home taking care of my children and paying back the restitution I owed. Noo one is benefiting from prison but the ones who own stock in unicor. Take a second look..Give a second chance.
deidra
November 4, 2007, 10:38pm (report abuse)im a college student and i just feel this is unfair. i have a brother serving a while in a fed pen. he has the option of a free education. i on the other hand is busting my butt to make ends meet with school and surviving. i have not commented a crim and done no harm, but the government doesnt care about that. maybe we should look at this issue as well!
Latoya
November 6, 2007, 10:02pm (report abuse)I believe the federal goverment should pass the second chance act. The father of my children is incarcerated for a non-violent crime, and my three children are the ones who are suffering.
L. Williams
November 7, 2007, 3:28pm (report abuse)I am very much in favor of this bill. We have to many in prison that when done with their sentences, are put back in the streets for them only to return. The cost to the taxpayers would be better spent in education, job training and placement along with drug rehabilation. Most are in there for drug problems and Most would welcome the opportunity to better themselves, so they do not end up in prison again. I really hope that as a country we start at looking at helping our own people that have special needs here. Everyone deserves a second chance for those who have not committed violent crimes. We also need to provide jobs and let them open bank accounts and beable to rent so they have a place to live.
I do not want them in and out of prison which will continue to happen because there is no hope.
FedCURE
November 10, 2007, 9:18pm (report abuse)Friends:
The Second Chance Act is a vital remedy to America's failing criminal justice system, albeit, almost three decades late. Please urge your Congresspersons, in the most serious terms, to support this legislation and the Senate's version of the same name, S.1060.
Thank You,
Mark A. Varca, J.D., CIO & Executive Dir.,
FedCURE
P.O. Box 15667
Plantation, Florida 33318-5667
USA
http://www.FedCURE.org
E-mail: FedCURE@FedCURE.org
E-fax: (408) 549-8935
FedCURE.org
November 10, 2007, 9:20pm (report abuse)The Second Chance Act -
Ps. It is incomprehensible that a society as advanced as ours incarcerates people, especially the non-violent, for long periods of time, 10, 20 years or more, and we do not prepare that person to be taken out of his box and put into our box. Hello! Are we all missing something here? Non violent people do not need to be incarcerated with you and I footing the bill. Around $67.00 a day short term and up to $200.00 a day, or more, long term.
Please urge your Congresspersons to support H.R. 1593 and the Senate's version of the same name, S.1060.
Thank You,
Mark A. Varca, J.D., CIO & Executive Dir.,
FedCURE
P.O. Box 15667
Plantation, Florida 33318-5667
USA
Web Site: http://www.FedCURE.org
E-mail: FedCURE@FedCURE.org
E-fax: (408) 549-8935
Cheryl Bennani
November 10, 2007, 10:27pm (report abuse)Please pass this bill alot of people would get a second chance in life.
KEA MISS COREY
November 11, 2007, 1:48pm (report abuse)I stand behind this bill 110%.I also beleive that the passing of this bill will be good for the yonger people out here.Once the inmates are released back into society they can be advocates to the younger deneration By starting a program.
Jonathan
November 11, 2007, 6:31pm (report abuse)FYI, the Second Chance Act is up for a vote in the House on Tuesday.
http://www.majorityleader.gov/links_and_resources/whip_resources/weekly...
For Second Chances
November 12, 2007, 5:22am (report abuse)I've supported this bill and issues like it for years having a family member taken from us for a 15 year federal sentence.
During this time...I've watched and listened to the news in our state and across the country of those who seriously harm others including death...and seeing them sentenced, serve their time and released back into society as we still sit and wait for an outdate for a crime that hurt no other! Whats wrong with this picture?
John's Angel
November 12, 2007, 8:40am (report abuse)God of mercy, we bless You in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who ministered to all who come to Him. Give your strength to those, Your servants, bound by the chains of addiction. Enfold him/her in Your love and restore him/her to the freedom of God’s children. Lord, look with compassion on all those who have lost their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of Your unfailing mercy, and strengthen them in the work of recovery. To those who care for them, grant patient understanding and a love that perseveres. To those that make the laws that incarcerate the addicted and non-violent, grant them the understanding and compassion to see beyond their personal political gains and /or beliefs and see that there are alternative humane ways to deal with these issues through life long rehab, counseling or support, not erroneously long or life sentences. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Bettye
November 12, 2007, 6:44pm (report abuse)Please pass this bill. We all make mistakes and deserve a second chance. Majority of the inmate have children and families that they need to support. Give them a second chance. Thanking you in advance.
Abby
November 16, 2007, 8:25am (report abuse)The Second Chance act has passed the House--JHopefully the Senate will follow in the House's footsteps and pass and pass this bill quickly.Thank you Represenative Davis from IL FOR GETTING THIS BILL PASSED/Everyone needs a second chance.
Teresa
November 23, 2007, 9:06pm (report abuse)I am glad that the "Second Chance Act" law passed. But I am wondering, does this law include non violent sex offenders. My son was a outstanding member of the community, had a very prestigious job, was 6 credits away from his bachelors degree in English Lit, has two children and they need him. He made a bad choice, but nobody was hurt. I pray this law will help my son!
Deana Ferguson
November 24, 2007, 8:20pm (report abuse)I believe in investing in human capitol, including those who might have made mistakes in the past. By them accepting responsibility for their past behavivious, they are demonstrating the ability to accept responsiblity for their future. Success upon release depends upon the skills, family, and cultural influences that surround the parolee. Let's make these the best marketable skills, the strongest family supports, and the most culturally competent environment we can. Please pass this bill.
L. Botetourt
November 28, 2007, 8:52pm (report abuse)This will go a long way towards helping those who have failed in life take a retest to master the course.
JESSICA G.
November 30, 2007, 4:06pm (report abuse)GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS AND EVERYONE DESERVES A 2ND CHANCE IF THEY DIDNT BRING HARM TO OTHERS. I AM HAPPY THAT THE 2ND LAW HAS PASSED MY HUSBAND IS A GOOD MAN AND MADE A MISTAKE NOT HARMING ANYONE. OUR KIDS NEED THERE FATHER HOME. MY QUESTION IS WHEN WILL THIS TAKE EFFECT.
Nicole
December 2, 2007, 9:05am (report abuse)This bill should certainly pass in the senate. Everyone needs a second chance.
Son
December 4, 2007, 11:53pm (report abuse)Fathers and Husbands who make mistakes should recieve a JUST punishmen. The federal system is much too punitive in many cases. The least we can do is provide them with some tools for sucsess when released. State and local government does not have these funds and would not spend it here if they did.
michelle
December 10, 2007, 7:30pm (report abuse)''please pass this bill''
there's no reason why first time offenders should not get a second chance a person that does or sell drugs can change there life around if they get the right help and support they need, on the other hand a rapist can't change ones a rapist always a rapist but yet i see these people getting less time???????i don't understand this unfairness let's start helping to build lives and not destroy them, i pray everyday for this bill to pass!!!! once again please pass this bill
THE FORGIVENESS PROJECT
December 12, 2007, 3:39pm (report abuse)We think this is a good first step. However, studies have shown that employers will not hire ex-offenders. Don't kid yourself! Racism, Stereotyping and demonization has made sure that ex-offenders will be mis-trusted for now and forever. The only remedy for this is to seal the record from the general public after ten years of productive living in society. We believe this bill will pass, but only because it essentially is a weak bill that still gives employers the right to discriminate. "you keep dreaming". When African Americans are 75% unemployed let's see how much you like this legislation. I got the cure! contact me @ edeadwiley27@yahoo.com
weerido
December 26, 2007, 6:04pm (report abuse)I also think it should depend upon the crime. If the prisoner hurt other people then they should serve, but if they only hurt themselves then they should be given a second chance.
JR413
January 27, 2008, 12:20am (report abuse)We are taught to believe that our justice system helps to reform a criminal. How when obtaining a decent job is so highly unlikely? When a person is released from prison chances are slim to none that this person will get a good job with a criminal record. This leads to a higher number of welfare recipients. Money funding this public assistance can be used for many other things. Also the desperation that would lead a person with no prior criminal record to commit a non-violent crime in most cases is due to the need to support their family without the means to do so. If a first time offender has such poor opportunity to obtain a good paying job with a criminal record-common sense leads me to think that more than likely this person will be a repeat offender. This cycle shows a huge flaw in our justice system. No one benefits from a higher number of welfare recipients or a higher number of prisoners. This act will help to end a cycle of crime and poverty-to me its long overdue!
Jo Dees
February 5, 2008, 3:57pm (report abuse)As more laws are created the liklihood of an increased prison population also increases. The judicial system, on many laws, has cookie cutter sentencing instead of fitting the punishment to the crime & the offenders history. This also increases the prison population and the duration of the stays. IF this trend continues, we could see an impact on labor shortage. Second Chance is a great opportunity to serve employers.
liz g
February 26, 2008, 6:07pm (report abuse)I think that they do deserve another chance. They become a better man when they have learned their lesson especially if you were not a role in the situation. Not only are we paying taxes on the inmates but the spouse is strugling and is also having to receive government help because her income is not suffient to hold the family. The kids are also being hurt by the situation and it is something that can affect them for the rest of their lifes. So please let the law pass even if we have to pay a minor fine.
DIANNE OLAH
March 7, 2008, 4:36pm (report abuse)I like most believe thease people need and deserve a second chance .the entire family is affected by a loved one being locked up I believe with a non violent crime they need a second chance .im writing about my brother ,that has served his country for 14 years and worked in law enforcment for 17 yrs only to make one stupid mistake and now sits in prison , yes by all means a second chance please ...god bless
Terry
March 8, 2008, 9:47pm (report abuse)Pass-Pass-Pass this bill I got a second chance in 1991 and if I had not got this second chance I probable would be in jail to day but I'm not so if I was some of you how don't like this bill you had better think before you jump up and vote (IT COULD BE YOU) if you don't think so just read some of the stories I've read people that have went to jail for nothing no evidince at all just get 3 people to say your selling crack or cocaine or and you'll see what I mean see know one thinks of this until it happens to them your mom,dad,brother,sister doing life with no chance of parole over nothing even the judge can't help you if you think I'm not telling you the truth just look at all the other people thats talking about this or ask your cogressman ask John J. Duncan,Jr. 2nd District,TENNESSEE Please help these people with a second chance thank you
abby
March 12, 2008, 9:06am (report abuse)The bill passed the senate and the President will sign it --Everyone deserves a second chance
Andrew
March 12, 2008, 11:14pm (report abuse)Does anyone know if there is a section in this bill that deals w/ the early release for non-violent first time offenders? I just see a 60 yr old age requirement. If so, what are the terms???
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