H. R. 1529 - The Second Chance for Ex-Offenders Act of 2009

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1. Thu., Sep. 2, 2010 12:50 PM    link Name not displayed | Hurst, TX

   I am a degreed professional, who received a FELONY DUI, and never will drink again, and paid my dues, yet I cannot find a job due to this always being on my record. Please, PLEASE help us, we are not violent people, and we have paid our dues to society, and we are still being discriminated against by employers are violent people!!

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3. Thu., Sep. 2, 2010 1:08 AM    link Michael P. | Allen, TX

   I am a 25 year banker that was laid off in 2007 and subsequently turn to drugs and was arrested with cocaine. A felony. My first arrest ever at 50 years young. I did my time on probation and now I can not get a job back in my career because of my felony charge. Not convicted only charged. My experience also includes working working for the FDIC and FEMA. I have been rehabiitated and have been sober for 367 days. I can't get a job due to my felon. I have a B.S. degree and a banking degree. I can't even get a retail job. This is terrible.

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5. Tue., Aug. 31, 2010 1:24 PM    link Micah W. | Lansing, MI

   I believe that once the Judge passes sentence and that sentence is served, one should get a second chance after proving himself repentant...anything else is like beating a dead horse...

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7. Mon., Aug. 30, 2010 9:36 PM    link Name not displayed | Hackensack, NJ

   Everybody deserves a 2nd chance.

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9. Sun., Aug. 29, 2010 2:43 AM    link charles m. | Rural Hall, NC

   i was only 17 years old when i sold a 7 gram bag of marijuana to an undercover officer, but since the warrant wasnt served for another 8 months, i was 18 when arrested so now it is on my record for good.

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11. Fri., Aug. 27, 2010 10:08 PM    link Selaine N. | Garden Grove, CA

12. Fri., Aug. 27, 2010 10:08 PM    link Doug C. | Irvine, CA

13. Fri., Aug. 27, 2010 10:07 PM    link Lenora N. | Irvine, CA

14. Fri., Aug. 27, 2010 10:06 PM    link Calvin C. | Irvine, CA

15. Tue., Aug. 24, 2010 1:58 AM    link rhonda p. | Houston, TX

16. Mon., Aug. 23, 2010 8:52 PM    link Derrick E. | Rapid City, SD

17. Mon., Aug. 23, 2010 7:06 PM    link Marilyn H. | Cave City, AR

    It is not hard to see how many people's life's could be changed by this act 5492, it cost us nothing to give people a second chance, but it cost America so much in many ways to continue to push people down for a mistake they had made taken responsbility for and are trying to walk forward to make a life for themselves and their families. We are loosing as Americans as we are not investing in our own people to give them a second chance, but would rather give them no option of housing , employment , or any future.So what do we see , a sense of hopeless, and some return to their old life out of desperation to survive. PLEASE work hard to give fellow American's back their lifes by giving them what everyone deserves A SECOND CHANCE ,in passing the HR 5492.

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19. Mon., Aug. 23, 2010 3:00 PM    link DIONELL P. | Mesquite, TX

20. Sun., Aug. 22, 2010 10:39 AM    link Curtis R. | Joliet, IL

21. Sun., Aug. 22, 2010 4:53 AM    link Name not displayed | Dallas, TX

    This is a terrible way to end up. And we all are suppose to be Americans. Ever since 911, former President Bush declared that everyone must be background checked. Remember that ? Well why should that be ? Of course 911 was a terrible thing that happened, but it does not justify people needing to work. I say this because before 911, if you had the experience, or even if you didn't, you could still get a job period. You mean to tell me that before 911 everyone was clean ? Oh come on now. Anyway, that was then, and this is now, and now we have a new President, and I know that he knows what is going on in today's society, Ya think ? People of all walks of life, whether a felon or not have to support themselves, and their families. So come on Congress, and the President, (Obama) as well, do your job and authorize and give support to YOUR fellow Americans and lift the band on CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS !!! You all get a paycheck reguardless of circumstances, we as Felon Americans want a check too. You say change is coming, Make that change!!

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23. Sat., Aug. 21, 2010 1:35 PM    link Anne T. | Mount Kisco, NY

    Rehabilitation and expungement of criminal records for ex-offenders works in other countries why not here...if a person serves time and remains out of trouble why can't they be given a chance to clear name?

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25. Sat., Aug. 21, 2010 1:33 PM    link Anne T. | Mount Kisco, NY

    Rehabilitation and expungement of criminal records for ex-offenders works in other countries why not here...if a person serves time and remains out of trouble why can't they be given a chance to clear name?

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27. Sat., Aug. 21, 2010 4:08 AM    link Name not displayed | Canal Winchester, OH

28. Fri., Aug. 20, 2010 1:10 PM    link Name not displayed | Buffalo, NY

29. Fri., Aug. 20, 2010 2:45 AM    link Name not displayed | Dallas, TX

    I truly believe that everyone that has been to prison and has come out with a new way of life and does not continue down their old road should get a second chance and have their record wiped clean.

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31. Fri., Aug. 20, 2010 12:42 AM    link Victoria w. | Cleveland, OH

32. Thu., Aug. 19, 2010 6:23 PM    link selton s. | Yonkers, NY

    Everyone makes mistakes along with paying the penaltys and should be allowed to move on and live a life of peace as well as protecting ones self and loved ones.

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34. Thu., Aug. 19, 2010 11:57 AM    link Name not displayed | Boiling Springs, SC

    Is asking for a second chance to a lively hood, to work, a difficult question to answer? Should we scrutinize who gets a second chance? Currently a felons' debt to society is never paid no matter the offense.This fact impacts everyone in a negative way, financially for society (with prison re-entry expenses an housing), emotional hopelessness, which in my view
    increases the odds of more crime. By someone who otherwise may have learned "there lesson" an become a productive member of society
    (the first time offender realizes too late that this mistake has cost him or her a lot more than his initial sentencing revealed) Wouldn't we rather have a system that offers a real way for people who truly deserve a second chance to get there life "back on track " as opposed to another welfare recipient or someone who lives on the street or returns to prison. My thanks to the folks that put together this petition

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36. Wed., Aug. 18, 2010 7:09 PM    link Pura P. | New York, NY

37. Wed., Aug. 18, 2010 6:26 PM    link IVAN M. | Houston, TX

38. Wed., Aug. 18, 2010 6:30 AM    link Name not displayed | Jacksonville, NC

39. Wed., Aug. 18, 2010 12:52 AM    link SINECA W. | Fort Worth, TX

    I HAVE BEEN CONVICTED OF A FELONY AND SINCE I COULD NOT GET A JOB I WENT BACK TO PRISON TRYING TO MAKE A LIVING FOR MYSELF. AS A EX OFFENDER WE NEED A SECOND CHANCE I HAVE WENT TO SCHOOL FOR MEDICAL ASSISANT AND GETTING MORE INITIALS BEHIND MY NMAE SO WHEN THEY SEE MY NAME THEY DONT SEEE THE CONVICTIONS WE NEED A SECOND CHANCE IF WE GET THIS FAIR CHANCE THERE WILL NOT BE A HIGH RATE OF PEOPLE GOING BACK TO PRISON.....

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41. Mon., Aug. 16, 2010 12:12 PM    link Name not displayed | Rochester, NY

42. Mon., Aug. 16, 2010 10:41 AM    link Susan S. | Bedford, TX

43. Mon., Aug. 16, 2010 10:09 AM    link Darion T. | Stockbridge, GA

    this has to change soon. ive been to prison, served what this country calls justice and been humiliated at the same time. i did whatever i did and paid the cost, but yet and still its like im a terrorist in the same country in which i was born into. my doings are non-violent and im very talented, but the one thing remains a challenge, THE WORD FELONY! ive tried to seal my record but was denied because, they JUDGED my case guilty. Lol if i felt like a had a chance to win i wouldnt have taken a deal.PLEASE to whomever can help us PLEASE do so. THANK YOU!

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45. Sun., Aug. 15, 2010 10:10 PM    link latonia G. | Chicago, IL

    I hope this pass God Bless everyone!

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47. Sat., Aug. 14, 2010 3:49 AM    link Gabriel c. | Grand Prairie, TX

48. Fri., Aug. 13, 2010 11:42 PM    link Margie D. | Saginaw, MI

49. Thu., Aug. 12, 2010 6:26 PM    link Name not displayed | Ponder, TX

50. Tue., Aug. 10, 2010 8:38 PM    link michele l. | Harrisburg, PA

51. Tue., Aug. 10, 2010 2:32 PM    link Name not displayed | Monee, IL

    Isn't it about time this was addressed?

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53. Tue., Aug. 10, 2010 8:43 AM    link SANDRA S. | Saginaw, MI

54. Tue., Aug. 10, 2010 12:51 AM    link Name not displayed | Canton, GA

55. Mon., Aug. 9, 2010 11:15 PM    link Briana G. | Ball Ground, GA

56. Mon., Aug. 9, 2010 6:31 PM    link Name not displayed | Ball Ground, GA

57. Mon., Aug. 9, 2010 3:56 PM    link Name not displayed | Harrisburg, PA

58. Mon., Aug. 9, 2010 1:07 PM    link Name not displayed | Little Falls, NJ

59. Sat., Aug. 7, 2010 2:22 PM    link Valerie R. | Flint, MI

60. Sat., Aug. 7, 2010 2:17 PM    link Liz T. | Saginaw, MI

61. Sat., Aug. 7, 2010 1:23 PM    link Ted R. | Saginaw, MI

62. Fri., Aug. 6, 2010 9:04 AM    link Molly M. | Donna, TX

63. Thu., Aug. 5, 2010 11:31 PM    link demarcus s. | China Grove, NC

    I would love for this to pass I want my life back please !!!! Please

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65. Wed., Aug. 4, 2010 3:38 PM    link Quantessa G. | Hempstead, NY

    There are many people who made mistakes and decisions that are remorseful. I strongly feel that there are people who have learned from there mistakes and companies should also take into consideration how many offenses the individual has. They should also check job references and find out the performance of the individual, before they make a decision.

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67. Mon., Aug. 2, 2010 10:24 PM    link Chidi O. | Harrisburg, PA

68. Mon., Aug. 2, 2010 10:20 PM    link Chidi O. | Harrisburg, PA

69. Mon., Aug. 2, 2010 4:14 PM    link Jerome R N. | Saint Louis, MO

    I am a Republican

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71. Sun., Aug. 1, 2010 7:34 PM    link Name not displayed | Oak Ridge, NJ

72. Fri., Jul. 30, 2010 8:52 PM    link tara l. | Denver, CO

73. Thu., Jul. 29, 2010 9:16 PM    link John H. | Fort Worth, TX

    I am not a Felon but, I have a brother who is yes he is on probation and his felony charge is DWI's. He lost his wife in Feburary and hasn't found a job sense getting out of jail 6 months ago. I believe these employers need find out what the felony charge was for before passing judgment. I believe a Company needs to be slapped with a $2000.00 fine for not finding out what the Felony Charge was for. The only thing the Convicted needs is the name of Company and the business address to report them.
    
    Provided this H.R. 1529 is passed without some sort of violators clause like a $2000.00 fine this would have no bearing and if the Company continues to violate the convicted rights for a second chance then fine goes up $1000.00 for ea infraction then after 3 complaints the Company itself would be hit with a FELONY CHARGE that cannot be removed for 5 years.

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75. Thu., Jul. 29, 2010 2:56 PM    link Name not displayed | Dallas, TX

    I have tried to get good jobs and once they see even that I am on deferred adjudication I am not even called back. I have to take care of my mother and support my 8 yr old son. How can I do that if my past only puts a stop sign in the hiring process? My son and mother also suffer because I cannot support their needs.

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77. Wed., Jul. 28, 2010 8:36 PM    link Robert P. | Smyrna, GA

78. Wed., Jul. 28, 2010 5:29 PM    link Name not displayed | Clayton, NM

79. Sat., Jul. 24, 2010 8:15 AM    link Kevin K. | Tullahoma, TN

80. Fri., Jul. 23, 2010 12:54 AM    link Tristan E. | Huron, TN

81. Thu., Jul. 22, 2010 6:54 PM    link Andrew S. | Cary, NC

82. Thu., Jul. 22, 2010 5:50 PM    link Teresa H. | Kennesaw, GA

83. Wed., Jul. 21, 2010 4:22 PM    link Ronald V. | Holbrook, NY

84. Mon., Jul. 19, 2010 4:31 PM    link Christopher W. | Los Angeles, CA

85. Sun., Jul. 18, 2010 12:27 PM    link Name not displayed | Lithonia, GA

86. Sat., Jul. 17, 2010 11:42 PM    link Tonya f. | Anchorage, AK

87. Sat., Jul. 17, 2010 3:47 PM    link Timothy R. | Bakersfield, CA

88. Fri., Jul. 16, 2010 4:34 PM    link Name not displayed | Bay Shore, NY

    I would like to see this bill passed. I am trying to get positions with companies that do background checks and meanwhile I have a conviction hanging over my head; it really is like a life sentence in this way. I am walking the straight and narrow since I plead guilty to copyright infringement in 2006. I know I made a mistake but I've turned my life around and want to get a career going on track and this is just a huge hindrance to that goal.

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90. Thu., Jul. 15, 2010 6:04 PM    link Name not displayed | Austin, TX

91. Thu., Jul. 15, 2010 2:15 PM    link Name not displayed | Corrales, NM

92. Thu., Jul. 15, 2010 8:43 AM    link Name not displayed | Johnson City, TN

    Please pass this bill and give someone a second chance at their life.

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94. Wed., Jul. 14, 2010 8:49 AM    link COURTNEY G. | Irving, TX

    I myself am an ex-offender I have been off probation since 1996. Since I have held steady work until Feb. 2010. Since 1996 I have went to college and graduated 3.43, marry and I have a beautiful daughter. I wish that I could have changed the decisions I made back then and took an alternate route but I didn't. I paid for it then and pay for it forever. When I fill out an application I would rather not lie than tell the truth because I want to keep the job but once they see the conviction my resume disappears. No call backs or returned calls. I understand where they are coming from I wish I would have understood when I did it. I made those mistakes then as a confused and stupid kid that was selfish and had only himkself to live for. Since I commit my crime I went to college even though I would hear " it won't matter you still won't get a job." Its discouraging and now Im about to run out of unemployement. All I can do is prahy thatsomeone hires me. What the employers don't understand is some ex-cons will work. Some excons will work harder than the rest and that being because they never get the chances the rest do. Even with the employers policies on hiring ex-cons there are still new cons created within their walls. I will continue to tell the truth and pray that someone may hear my story and realize 20 years later that they have no regreats for hiring me. I work harder than anyone I know.

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96. Tue., Jul. 13, 2010 11:45 AM    link Name not displayed | Mcdonough, GA

97. Mon., Jul. 12, 2010 9:10 PM    link Name not displayed | Hurst, TX

    Please support H.R 5492.

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99. Mon., Jul. 12, 2010 7:08 PM    link Name not displayed | Alamogordo, NM

    Just because one makes a mistake in society at one point in their lives... do we have the right to hold them to that 15 years later when that same individual has changed their life and went on the road of positive change and good decision making? I think everyone deserves a second chance in life... holding a felony for the rest of your life means that many employment opportunities are unavailable simply because of stigma no matter how long its been...

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101. Mon., Jul. 12, 2010 6:20 PM    link Orlean W. | Baton Rouge, LA

     I have a great man who has made mistakes in the past. In order for him to succeed at making a better life for our new found family, it is imperative that we fight this bill until it passes the highest heavens. thanks

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103. Mon., Jul. 12, 2010 12:46 PM    link Edward L. | Covington, KY

104. Fri., Jul. 9, 2010 2:15 PM    link Name not displayed | Jacksboro, TX

     Second chances are an absolute must in our society!

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