Jobs for Ex-Offenders

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/16/opinion/jobs-for-ex-offenders.html

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To the Editor:

Re “Labels Like ‘Felon’ Are an Unfair Life Sentence” (editorial, May 8):

Far too many people struggle to overcome the nearly insurmountable obstacle that a criminal record represents in the job market. But I’ve spoken to several business owners who have decided to look beyond job applicants’ past mistakes.

Those employers have told me, repeatedly, that “second chance” employees are often their most dedicated workers, because those employees know how hard it was to get that chance.

The language we use to talk about those who have been incarcerated is important, and I commend the Obama administration for its efforts. It’s also important that states and cities set an example by adopting “ban the box” policies, as Connecticut has done by enacting the Fair Chance Employment Act.

The most important change will come, though, when employers nationwide join the ranks of businesses already helping to build stronger, safer communities by offering second-chance employment opportunities. They may find that doing the right thing is also good for business.

LUKE BRONIN

Mayor

Hartford