Res. No. 806
Resolution calling on Congress to reintroduce and pass the Second Chance Act of 2005, which would reauthorize a Department of Justice grant program that, among other things, facilitates the reentry of offenders into the community and establishes a task force on Federal programs and activities relating to the reentry of offenders into the community.
By Council Members Stewart, James, Palma, Sanders Jr. and Vann
Whereas, In 2005, nearly 2.2 million people were incarcerated in Federal or State prisons or in local jails; and
Whereas, Nearly 650,000 people are released annually from incarceration to communities nationwide; and
Whereas, Studies have shown that from 15 percent to 27 percent of prisoners expect to go to homeless shelters upon release from prison; and
Whereas, Nearly two-thirds of released State prisoners are expected to be rearrested for a felony or serious misdemeanor within three years after release; and
Whereas, Increased recidivism has profound collateral consequences, including public health risks, homelessness, unemployment, and disenfranchisement; and
Whereas, Released prisoners cite family support as the most important factor in helping them stay out of prison; and
Whereas, Research suggests that families are an often underutilized resource in the reentry process; and
Whereas, Participation in State correctional education programs lowers the likelihood of reincarceration by 29 percent according to a United Stated Department of Education study; and
Whereas, A Federal Bureau of Prisons study found a 33 percent drop in recidivism among federal prisoners who participated in vocational and apprenticeship training; and
Whereas, Ohio Representative Rob Portman introduced The Second Chance Act of 2005 (H.R. 1704) and Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter introduced the Senate’s companion bill (S.1934) in the 109th Congress; and
Whereas, Both bills languished in their respective houses until the 109th Congress recessed; since the commencement of the 110th Congress, these bills have yet to be introduced; and
Whereas, The Second Chance Act of 2005 aims to identify labor market needs to ensure prison education and training are appropriate and to connect inmates to employment, including supportive employment and employment services, before their release to the community; and
Whereas, This bill will assist offenders in securing permanent housing upon release or following a stay in transitional housing; and
Whereas, The Second Chance Act enhances services for offenders and aids successful reentry into the community, while also helping to combat recidivism rates; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on Congress to reintroduce and pass the Second Chance Act of 2005, which would reauthorize a Department of Justice grant program that, among other things, facilitates the reentry of offenders into the community and establishes a task force on Federal programs and activities relating to the reentry of offenders into the community.
WJH
LS #2512
3/29/07