There are hundreds of thousands of convicted felons of non violent offenses who have paid their debt to society but because of their conviction they can not hold a license to perform certain types of jobs. This not only creates a increase in repeat offenses, recidivism, poverty but it also hurts our economy and affects the lives of many others besides the convicted felon. Studies have shown not being able to maintain gainful employment increases the likelihood that most felons will re- offend. With our already increasingly overpopulated prison systems you would think that lawmakers would be doing everything in their power to help minimize this blow to society.

Most convicted felons would love the opportunity to be able to work for themselves and provide a good and proper life for their families if given the chance. Many found themselves in situations where they felt they had to do what they had to survive and they absolutely do not want to ever be in a position like that again. Studies have also shown that proper education and technical training including licensure is what is needed to land lucrative paying jobs, however, in most states, those with any type of felony conviction can not hold any type of licensure...electrician, plumber, cosmologists, barber, contractor, HVAC, realtor, etc.

It is my hope that lawmakers will make changes to the laws affecting the likelihood that felons convicted of non violent offenses can hold certain licensure to secure and maintain better paying jobs to prevent re offenses and ultimately lower the recidivism rates across the country.