Americans for Prosperity Statement on Introduction of Second Chance Legislation

Jul 28, 2023 by AFP

Arlington, VA— Americans for Prosperity issued the following statement in response to the reintroduction of The Kenneth P. Thompson Begin Again Act by Representatives Glenn Ivey (D-MD) and Nathaniel Moran (R-TX) and Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and John Cornyn (R-TX).

AFP Policy Director Jeremiah Mosteller said:

“The more than 80 million Americans with a criminal record face an uphill battle to restoring their family, reputation, and financial future after they have paid their debt to society. This undermines public safety, limits economic growth, and harms families.

“Many state leaders have realized that providing a true second chance through criminal record relief is a promising solution that benefits public safety and local economies. It is time for Congress to adopt a similar approach in our federal criminal justice system.

“The Kenneth P. Thompson Begin Again Act is a positive step toward helping some deserving individuals with a criminal record overcome the barriers to restoration they face every day. This bill is a targeted, common-sense solution with strong bipartisan support.”

Background:

AFP is focused on advancing more effective public safety policies that prevent and reduce crime in our communities. Legal and societal barriers to a true second chance exacerbate recidivism and increase crime in our communities. That is why AFP has partnered with policy champions on the Hill to advance legislation that establishes safe and effective ways for individuals who want to live positively to move out from under the shadow of their worst mistake.