Sam Brownback: “I am please to join with Chairman Specter and Senator Biden today as we introduce a bill that will have a dramatic and…”

“I am please to join with Chairman Specter and Senator Biden today as we introduce a bill that will have a dramatic and positive effect in the lives of individuals re-entering society after incarceration. The Second Chance Act: Community Safety Through Recidivism Prevention is a bill that will not only protect our Nation's citizens but will more importantly help to reduce recidivism in our Nation. A hallmark of any just society lies in its ability to protect the interest of all its citizens and I am proud that the United States is a leader in this regard. Yet, while we continue to strive toward this lofty goal, we must realize that there are areas in which we, as a society and as government, must do more to improve. No where is that more apparent than in our Nation's pension system. Today, we have challenges within the prison system that range from high recidivism rates to budgetary and safety concerns. With this bill, we will be able to address this pressing problem within our society. Already we have seen innovative and model programs within the states and the faith community, and I am proud to say that Kansas is a leader in this regard, as well a such faith organizations as Prison Fellowship Ministries, Catholic Charities U.S.A., and the Salvation Army. However, we must stimulate innovation in this area on a national level and that is what this bill will accomplish.…”