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More than 70 million people in our country have a conviction record. That is roughly one in three Americans. Those with records face a lot of obstacles. We should be able to move forward with our lives after we have completed our sentences.

We face many lifelong barriers that prevent us from essentials like steady jobs, educational opportunities, professional licenses, safe homes and more. The National Institute of Justice estimates 44,000 such barriers. These can make it difficult for a person with a conviction history to function. They are unable to function in society and participate meaningfully in community life.

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First takeaway: People with past convictions face an array of barriers to gainful employment

People with conviction records are often denied employment opportunities due to discrimination. They completed their sentences even after a long time. Once an individual is branded with the scarlet letter of a conviction, it doesn't matter who they were before. Applications from people who have been in prison will be thrown aside by many employers. Potential investors will not meet with entrepreneurs who have convictions.

It is predictable that the resulting economic insecurity, pain, shame and despair can be devastating. Not just for us as individuals, but for our families as well. People are impacted at every level. disproportionate rates of arrest, incarceration and conviction among low-income communities of color nationwide are a result of systemic and racially biased policing and prosecution in our country.

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Second takeaway: There is a simple solution — provide people with a clean slate

Legislation is being passed across the country to make sure that people like me who have completed their sentences can have their records cleared. There are many states where application-based seal is an option. This process is expensive and burdensome. A lot of people would be prevented from having their records cleared. Clean slate helps make it possible for all eligible individuals to start fresh. They don't have to navigate bureaucratic hurdles or spend money.

People who have served their time and paid their debts deserve a second chance. The scarlet letter was erased with a clean slate. Stable jobs, trade licenses, business ventures and secure homes are all within reach through automatic records clearance. We can move forward with a clean slate.

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Third takeaway: Clean slate can help us all

Clean slate can give me and others with past conviction records a chance at healing, justice and meaningful participation in the economy and communities we all share. It can improve the well-being of entire families. Individuals who want to work hard, support their families and contribute to their local communities should be able to do so. Children who grow up in poverty are more likely to live in poverty throughout their lives, a cycle known as intergenerational poverty.

This cycle can be broken by clean slate policies. The benefit of clean slate policies for our economy cannot be overstated. Excluding individuals with conviction histories from the workforce costs the economy between $78 billion and 87 billion a year, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. Employers looking to grow their businesses could use a huge pool of skilled workers with clean slate. Without clean slate, we risk locking away a lot of human potential. The need for undiscovered talent is increasing. Clean slate can help begin to remedy the racial injustice pervading our country by breaking down the unjust barriers. Black and Brown Americans are kept from reaching their full potential.

Clean slate has a wide range of supporters who believe in its immense potential. The clean slate campaign in New York has the support of top labor unions and business leaders. Civil rights groups, law firms and health advocates are also included. They all know that giving people a second chance is a smart thing to do. All ships are raised by a rising tide.

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