ARLINGTON, VA – Americans for Prosperity praised the White House Thursday for reportedly stopping a proposal from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OMP) that would’ve required federal job applicants to disclose any contact with the criminal justice system, even if it did not result in a conviction. This would include participation in diversion programs that judges and prosecutors use as a tool to keep people out of prison who don’t need to be there. Currently, OPM only asks applicants whether they have been convicted of any crime or offense.
AFP President Tim Phillips issued the following statement:
“We need to be encouraging people who want to work and contribute positively to their communities – not punishing them for attempting to improve their lives. This proposal was antithetical to the spirit of the First Step Act and other recent criminal justice reforms that are improving public safety by lifting up folks who want a second chance. By preventing this misguided rule from advancing, the White House is once again demonstrating its commitment to helping people who want to work and transform their lives for the better.”
In April, AFP submitted a formal response expressing opposition to the proposed rule. The letter noted that the proposed rule “would directly undermine the President’s criminal justice reform agenda by stymieing re-entry efforts recently highlighted at the White House earlier this month.”
AFP proudly supports the federal First Step Act and is currently working to ensure the law is fully implemented and funded, so its full benefit will be realized. To learn more, click here to see our national action page.
