Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, for the roughly 10 million people who, each year, reenter communities from jail or prison, the consequences of a criminal sentence can last a lifetime, creating barriers to accessing safe housing, employment, and even something as basic as a government ID. As the mayor of Providence, I assembled a reentry council to bring together community leaders, including religious leaders, employers, and housing professionals, to help people returning to their communities with the goal of giving people a chance to fully reenter society after they have completed their sentence. During my time as mayor, I saw how providing community-based reentry services helps to ensure that justice-involved individuals have the support they need for smooth transition back into society. When formerly incarcerated people have access to their basic needs being met, like food assistance and employment opportunities, it can significantly reduce the likelihood they will commit a new offense and, as a result, make our communities safer. It gives returning citizens the ability to provide for themselves, for their families, and to be productive members of their communities. That is why I am proud to support H.R. 8161, the One Stop Shop Community Reentry Program Act, which provides 5-year grants to community-based organizations and other eligible entities to create community reentry centers.…”