Martica Lozano

fremont, CA

Martica commented on the article | over 2 years ago

A Step in the Right Direction in D.C.

I too have the sinking feeling this is more Lip Service from the Senate. Why do they need 18-months for a blue-ribbon panel to confirm what they and the rest of the USA already know in 2009??? Just ask organizations such FAMM, FedCure, ACLU etc to supply them with stats within 48-hours - and the panel could make it's ruling in 72-hours.

18-months to study something we all know about is suspect!!!

The House for more than a decade e.g. Rep Rangel who has been introducing the longest running DOA bill - 6 thimes and counting. Every session he introduces The Second Chance for Exoffenders - and every session the Bill is Dead On Arrival. Maybe next year he'll introduce it as The Exoffenders DOA Act. . .
Martica signed the petition | over 2 years ago

Support the National Criminal Justice Act
Martica commented on the article | over 2 years ago

A Second Chance

Matt - Kudos! Very well put.

Thank you for voicing support of this very worthy cause.
Martica commented on the article | over 2 years ago

A Second Chance

Thomas,

Well said. . . You are my Hero & Thank You!
Martica signed the petition | over 2 years ago

Stand Up, BE COUNTED, in your support to end extreme poverty
Martica signed the petition | over 2 years ago

PETITION: Make Poverty History
Martica signed the petition | over 2 years ago

I commit to finding opportunities to build relationships and provide resources to end poverty
Martica signed the petition | over 2 years ago

America's Food Banks Are Facing A Shortage - Please Donate And Volunteer!
Martica commented on the article | over 2 years ago

Controversies in criminal justice

Zvi - great observations and information.

Just curious what are your thoughts about federal expungement of non-violent first time convictions?

I see Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) is trying for the 4th time to get this bill passed [now H.R. 1529 f/k/a H.R. 623 in 2003, 2005 and 2007]. It seems like it has a very wide ranging benefit, and of no real costs as far as tax dollars goes. Say e.g. marijuana possession can score a federal felony - gets sentenced to probation, but the ex-felon has to remain underemployed (if they are lucky to get hired at all) for the rest of their natural life. The added "carrot" of expungement is available at the State level, but no legal relief is available at the Federal level (Presidential pardons are so rare and the conviction still remains - negating any perceived benefit).

If you think this is a worthy bill - kindly suggest how we can go about spreading the word of its value and eventually convincing Congress to finally pass it.
Thanks!
Martica commented on the article | over 2 years ago

Getting Out and Staying Out

Matt,

Once again you have done a bang up job on this article - thanks!

I'm just a little curious as to why the general consensus here is not many are supporting the passage of H.R. 1529? I see other actions get 1000+ signatures in just a few weeks but petition Second Chance For Ex-Offenders (H.R. 1529) gets 90+ signatures. . .

In your vast experience what makes a petition more visible and appealing on this site?

Again, thanks for helping to make our world a better place!