MICHIGAN SENATE
Offered by Senators Irwin, Brinks, Geiss, Moss and Singh
A RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE APRIL 2023 AS SECOND CHANCE MONTH AND APRIL 23-29, 2023, AS REENTRY WEEK
WHEREAS, Every human being is worthy of respect and dignity; and WHEREAS, Redemption and rehabilitation are core to our beliefs and commitment
to one another; and
WHEREAS, Second chances and opportunities to rebuild one’s life after an arrest or incarceration are pivotal to not only individuals, but also to strong and healthy communities in Michigan; and
WHEREAS, More than 4 million Michiganders have some type of arrest or conviction history; and
WHEREAS, People with conviction histories face immense barriers when returning to our communities, such as challenges to obtaining safe and stable housing, finding employment, accessing education, reuniting with family, and navigating restrictions on their mobility; and
WHEREAS, The barriers faced by people with conviction histories are dispropor- tionately felt by people of color and people experiencing poverty; and
WHEREAS, People who are formerly incarcerated are almost 10 times more likely than the general public to be unhoused; and
WHEREAS, Removing barriers and increasing access to stable housing and meaningful employment is linked to decreased crime and improved public safety; and
WHEREAS, Michigan has made great strides with historic Clean Slate legislation to expunge Michiganders’ records, breaking down barriers to housing, employment, and other essential needs; and
WHEREAS, Continued efforts must be made to ensure that all Michiganders have access to second chances and opportunities to build a healthy life for our collective communities to be whole and strong; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, That the members of this legislative body recognize April 2023 as Second Chance Month and April 23-29, 2023, as Reentry Week. We recognize the importance of second chances and removing barriers for people with conviction histories.
Secretary of the Senate
Adopted by the Senate, April 27, 2023.