A new campaign called Make Happen, launched by JPMorgan Chase and creative agency Droga5, aims to raise awareness of Clean Slate legislation and help people with criminal records find employment. As part of the campaign, a series of sculptures called Waiting Workforce have been installed in Philadelphia's Independence Plaza. The sculptures, created by art and directing collective The Glue Society, represent the states that have not passed the Clean Slate legislation. Each sculpture is made with over a million pages of real expungement documents, symbolizing the barriers faced by individuals with criminal records. The campaign plans to remove one sculpture each time a state passes the legislation. JPMorgan Chase estimates that helping people with criminal records re-enter the workforce would add $87 billion annually to the US economy. The bank has committed to hiring 10% of its new employees in the US from individuals with previous convictions. [a3745f04]
Droga5 New York has commissioned The Glue Society, an Australian art and creative collective, to create a sculpture and film for JPMorgan Chase's Second Chance Initiative campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the barriers faced by individuals with criminal records in finding meaningful employment. The art installation, titled 'The Waiting Workforce,' consists of 38 human-shaped sculptures, representing each state that hasn't passed the Clean Slate legislation. The sculptures are made with over a million pages of real/redacted expungement documents, symbolizing the paperwork involved in clearing criminal records. The installation is currently on display outside the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. JPMorgan Chase estimates that helping people with criminal records re-join the workforce would add $87 billion annually to the US economy. [5f7ff3ca]
Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Clean Slate Act, which seals certain criminal records and allows individuals to seek employment, housing, and educational opportunities. The law will seal eligible misdemeanor convictions after three years and certain felony convictions after eight years. The New York State Office of Court Administration has up to three years to implement the necessary processes. The act has received widespread support from advocates, lawmakers, law enforcement, business leaders, and organizations. It is seen as a step towards justice, fairness, and economic opportunity, providing second chances and reducing barriers for individuals with criminal convictions. The act is expected to contribute to safer communities, stronger families, and a more equitable justice system. It has been hailed as a victory for justice, racial equity, and economic growth. The signing of the act is seen as a historic moment and a significant milestone in criminal justice reform in New York State. [0cf5b4df]
The Clean Slate Act aims to create economic opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals in New York by automatically sealing their conviction records, except for sex offenses and certain A level felonies. The legislation seeks to address the barriers faced by these individuals in accessing basic necessities such as housing, healthcare, education, and employment. It aims to combat the disproportionate harm caused by discriminatory over-policing and over-prosecution that falls heavily on Black and brown New Yorkers. The Clean Slate Act has the potential to impact economic equity and reduce the racial wealth gap. Supporters of the legislation include JP Morgan Chase, Verizon, Microsoft, and the Business Council of New York State. By providing employment opportunities, the Act aims to improve community and public safety while giving individuals a chance to rebuild their lives and contribute to society. [61ad453c]
The Clean Slate Act in New York, which aims to clear prior criminal records and address systemic injustices, is seen as beneficial for the green economy. The act is expected to boost the region's green energy initiatives and employment in the green workforce. The act allows for the sealing of certain criminal records, dismantling barriers to employment and reducing recidivism. It is projected to have an estimated annual earnings boost of $7.1 billion for the state of New York. The act aligns with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of redistributive justice and economic and environmental justice. In the New York City metro region, there is significant potential for job growth in the energy efficiency, renewable energy, and green building maintenance sectors. However, there is a shortage of qualified workers in these areas. Inclusive green workforce training programs are crucial for equitable access to opportunities and addressing environmental challenges collaboratively. [d62f6c3c]
Connecticut's Clean Slate Law, which aims to automatically erase criminal convictions, has faced another delay in its implementation. The law, passed in 2021, was initially expected to be fully implemented by late 2023. However, as of now, only 11% of eligible records have been cleared, impacting 13,600 people and 33,000 charges. The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection expects two-thirds of eligible erasures to be completed in the coming weeks, with the remaining cases to be cleared over the next 12 months. The delays have been attributed to aging data systems and poor data quality. Faith leaders and advocates are demanding a faster rollout of the law and have called for the establishment of a full-time Clean Slate Office to provide regular updates. They also propose bringing in Code for America to address data issues. The law automatically erases most misdemeanors after seven years and minor felonies after a decade, except for crimes involving family violence or sexual abuse. [aa34db59]
China is implementing a job amnesty program to allow prisoners who are aiming to reform to enter society. The program, called the 'B1qawP5', will provide prisoners with job opportunities and help them reintegrate into society. The initiative is part of China's efforts to improve its criminal justice system and reduce recidivism rates. The program will also provide vocational training and support services to prisoners to help them develop skills and find employment. The job amnesty program is expected to benefit thousands of prisoners and contribute to their successful reintegration into society. [d3079c57]