Persons returning to society from incarceration after serving their sentences find a huge block in the way of housing, employment and other things they need – the CORI criminal record. Would you like to join GBIO this month to make a real difference in helping them resume productive lives? Please come to
the Clean Slate Lobby Day from 10am to 2pm on Wednesday September 17 at the State House
HERE is a link to the registration form for the event.
Why do this?
GBIO has long advocated for the rights of returning citizens, and is teaming up now with the Clean Slate Coalition — a growing national movement to immediately seal criminal records both for those who have served their sentences and are returning to society, and those who were charged of crimes but either acquitted or otherwise never convicted.
Laws like this have been passed in 12 other states, largely through the efforts of this Coalition. It is time for Massachusetts to do the same, and GBIO is stepping up to be part of it..
Two bills now pending in the State Legislature will require automatic sealing of criminal records for those who have served their sentences or were never convicted. Under current law, returning citizens and even persons who were found innocent or had their charges dropped must on their own initiative seek to get their records sealed – a cumbersome process unknown to most of them.
These bills will require the state to seal these records permanently, removing what is maybe the most significant obstacle to their rebuilding their lives with employment, affordable housing and other resources they need in returning to society.
ATTACHED is a Fact Sheet about the two bills.
What will happen on Lobby Day?
The day will start with a rally in Room 222 at 10am, followed by a training on the lobbying process. Then you will join others from your legislative district to visit with your state senator or representative. Noone will be doing the lobbying alone — everyone will have company when they meet with their legislators.
If you don’t have time for the lobbying, please come just for the rally, where turnout is a critical part of our success.
How to Register?
Just use the link above. It is important to register for Lobby Day, whether you are coming for the whole day or just for the rally.
Thank you for supporting GBIO and the CLEAN SLATE COALITION in their work for the rights of returning citizens.