I stand as an ex-felon who has managed to turn my life around for God, and more importantly, my family. Now a devoted father of two, I've found that my criminal record is the one obstacle preventing me from securing a job that enables me to adequately provide for them.

Balancing the scales, background checks for hiring purposes often paint an incomplete picture of the candidate. This focus on past transgressions rather than present growth and potential can greatly restrict the opportunities available, especially those like myself striving for redemption and a more productive life. According to the National Employment Law Project, an estimated 70 million adults in the U.S have records that can show up on a routine criminal background check. That's almost 1 in 3 adults who have the odds stacked against them when looking for work, causing unnecessary hardships and further perpetuating a cycle of crime and poverty.

It is crucial for our society to look beyond past mistakes and offer second chances to get people back into the workforce. This step is not only about promoting forgiveness but also about wise economics. When individuals with past convictions find stable employment, they are less likely to recidivate and are able to contribute to our economy more effectively.

Now, it’s time to take action. We urge the relevant authorities to rethink the necessity of background checks in the employment process and consider policies that lean more towards rehabilitation and less on punishment. Let's empower individuals to reform, grow, and build a stable future. We need you to sign this petition today.