We all make mistakes, but no one pays for their mistakes more in America than former convicts. A criminal conviction can make it almost impossible to get a job or housing, making it more and more likely for ex-convicts to resort to criminal activities to get an income. It used to be impossible for people with a criminal record to expunge or seal their records, even for misdemeanor crimes such as possession of marijuana. But now more than 20 states over the last two years have expanded or added laws to help people move on from their criminal records and get a second chance in life. These reforms are being driven for a number of reasons. One is a purely economic reason: if ex-convicts can’t get good jobs, they can’t pay taxes to counties. The other reason is simply a matter of fairness as even the smallest of crimes can have long-term, damaging consequences for people for the rest of their lives. Considering that more than 60 million people in America have a criminal record, with the majority being a misdemeanor, it’s encouraging to see that the laws are starting to change in order to help people get a second chance.
Why giving ex-convicts a second chance can benefit everyone
More of Today's Solutions
How Boise, Idaho is heating hundreds of buildings with clean geothermal energy
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In Boise, Idaho, being in hot water is a good thing — especially when it comes to how ...
Read MoreIs No Mow May helping bees or just overgrown hype? Here’s what the experts say
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Letting your lawn grow wild in May to help bees and other pollinators? That’s the pitch behind No ...
Read MoreThe ultimate guide to getting rid of your old stuff responsibly
Great. You went all Marie Kondo on your house and now you have a bunch of stuff you want to get rid of. Dumping ...
Read MoreThese 6 lighting tips will boost your mood and your health
At a time when sustainable and healthy living is at the forefront of many of our minds, the issue of lighting becomes a contested ...
Read More
