U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) and U.S. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) have introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution designating April as Second Chance Month to honor the work of communities, government institutions, nonprofits, congregations, employers, and individuals to remove the unnecessary legal and societal barriers that prevent people with criminal records from becoming productive members of society.
“I’m proud to lead the Senate effort to name April as Second Chance Month,” Sen. Portman said last week. “Renewing and strengthening the idea that people deserve second chances is critical to our efforts to stop the revolving door of incarceration and help former inmates live up to their God-given potential.”
Sen. Portman sponsored Senate Resolution (S.Res.) 605 with cosponsor U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), while Rep. Bacon cosponsored H.Res. 1066 alongside resolution sponsor U.S. Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-CA).
“Second Chance Month is a representation to all of us about the power of forgiveness and the Second Chance programs are key in that,” said Rep. Bacon. “They have helped reintegrate people back into society, heal families, and give much-needed mental health services.”
By providing such support systems, Rep. Bacon said that individuals can become productive members of society, “restoring dignity and respect to those who have served their time and want to contribute back to their communities and families,” he added.
Sen. Portman pointed out that since the Second Chance Act was first signed into law in 2007, it has played an important role in criminal justice reform policy, changing thousands of lives in his home state of Ohio and across the country.
“The mistakes of our past don’t have to define the potential for our future,” the senator said. “By designating April as Second Chance Month, we are supporting those who are returning from prison and want a fair shot at living an honest and productive life by increasing public awareness and getting them the help they need.”
The resolution has been endorsed by Prison Fellowship, the world’s largest Christian nonprofit organization for prisoners, former prisoners and their families, and a leading advocate for justice reform.