Today, U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) proposed a resolution recognizing April as “Fair Chance Jobs Month.” JustLeadershipUSA President/CEO DeAnna Hoskins issued the following statement:
“We want to thank Sen. Markey and Sen. Klobuchar for putting forward this resolution and taking into consideration both our lived experience and our subject-matter expertise in the process. Because April is recognized as ‘Second Chance Month’ for those who are directly impacted by the criminal legal system, it is already an important month at JustLeadershipUSA. The Senators’ proposal to have a fair chance at employment makes April that much more significant to the directly impacted community.
“This resolution recognizes the immense harm done by the criminal legal system to those directly impacted — particularly in the economic sector. It also sheds light on several pervasive carve-outs to basic human needs that continue to impact families and communities. There is an inextricable link between health equity and economic justice. We must continue to dismantle racist and unjust systems, significantly increase access to funding for training and social supports, and center the voices of people who are directly impacted.”
Learn more about the JustUS Coordinating Council at justuscc.org.