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The Second Chance Act (SCA) is in danger of losing its funding. On a motion of Senator Barbara Mikulski funds for the SCA were eliminated from the Senate appropriations bill. This is quite distressing.
The Second Chance Act was the result of several years of hard work building bi-partisan support for programs which refocus prisons on preparing inmates for release. Early indications show that SCA programs have been successful. We will know more in two years when the studies authorized by the Act are completed. But anecdotal evidence shows a positive impact for this new focus on reentry. Funding to continue SCA programs hit a roadblock when Senator Barbara Mikulski eliminated every dime which had been set aside to fund the coming year’s Second Chance programs.
We understand the need to cut spending in Washington. The federal government just doesn’t have enough money to pay for all the promises it has made. And we know that every group claims that their program should be funded, and any cuts should come from other programs. What makes the SCA different is that for each ex-offender who we can keep on the straight and narrow, we save huge amounts in court costs and prison costs that won’t have to be spent. Even more important - each offender we help turn in a positive direction means fewer victims and safer communities.
All is not lost. In the House, Rep. Frank Wolf proposed $70 million to fund the SCA, and the Senate and House will attempt to work out their differences in a conference committee this week. It is theorized that Sen. Mikulski zeroed out SCA as a bargaining chip to restore funding for the COPS program. If so, I am sorry that she chose the Second Chance Act for leverage. It is too important to be used as a negotiating ploy.
A diverse coalition of 481 groups sent a letter urging funding for the SCA. Please take the time to read the letter because it makes a very strong case for these programs. Also, for more background information the Justice Center’s Second Chance Act page provides talking points, fact sheets, a list of Second Chance Act grantees, and much additional information.
One thing I have learned in my 15 years in Washington is that you should never take anything for granted. We should not presume that the legislators will work it out. It is very important that they hear from you, their constituents. Tell them that you expect them to fund the excellent programs of the Second Chance Act, and that you will be watching how they vote.
Here are links that will allow you to contact your Senators and Representative. Your message should be simple: you join with Prison Fellowship in supporting $70 million in funding for the Second Chance Act, which is the level funded by the House Appropriations Committee. Ask them to make the Second Chance Act one of their priorities for FY 2012, and request that they let you know how they vote on this issue.
Time is short. This issue will likely be voted on this week. So, please take the time right now to contact your legislators.
In His service,
Pat Nolan
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