One in three Americans have an arrest or conviction of some type on their record, with the criminal justice system disproportionately targeting Black and Brown Americans. And unfortunately, even a small, minor charge on your record can lead to a lifetime of financial insecurity.
People with even non-violent criminal records have to deal with
massive barriers to employment, securing housing, and going to school, even after they've done their time. And when people can't find jobs or places to live, they are far more likely to commit another crime just to survive.
But it doesn't have to be this way, and we can solve this cycle of systemic racism and recidivism! Sign the petition now!An organization called the
Clean Slate Initiative is working to expunge the criminal records of people who have served their time, completed their sentence, and remained crime-free.
Clean Slate policies are backed by research showing that these types of laws increase employment rates, wages, and overall economic security. That means policies that give folks a real, true, clean slate
reduce the financial hardships that cause true desperation, thereby making it easier for formerly incarcerated people to become positive, contributing members of their community.Michigan
just passed a statewide Clean Slate law, which will help keep communities safe and encourage real rehabilitation. But less than a quarter of states to date have passed Clean Slate legislation that actually helps formerly incarcerated people.
It is time for the U.S. Congress to step up and pass federal legislation, like the Clean Slate Act and Fresh Start Act, to address this issue! Sign now to demand Congress pass the Clean Slate Act and Fresh Start Act!