The White House and Congress support the message of second chances. It’s time for action.

The White House recently declared a message of support for Second Chance Month, a movement to raise awareness of the 44,000 legal barriers faced by people with a criminal record. In the message, President Trump referenced the bipartisan passage of the First Step Act in 2018, and the current commitment to supporting restorative pathways for those who have served their time. Likewise, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan Second Chance Month resolution to show their commitment to helping people find a fresh start. The House of Representatives also introduced a resolution demonstrating support for second chances.

If our government seeks to support second chances, lawmakers must not only talk but act on their belief by advancing reforms that open doors.

I’ve seen the struggle countless times: Men and women experience true rehabilitation and restoration behind bars, only to return to a society that shuts them out of opportunities to contribute. That struggle is the story of my friend Ray. After cycles of addiction and incarceration, Ray found redemption while behind bars. Upon his release, he feared he would never be seen as anything more than his past. However, through a courthouse-based work center, he found structure and direction. Best of all, he met........

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