Thread:Andy6w4/@comment-25436487-20140925174008

Well, here's a bit of a surprise: The second chance act has a friend in Sen. Barbara Mikulski!

" Dear Mr. Andrew:



 Thanks for getting in touch with me about legislative efforts to reform the U.S. criminal justice system. It's good to hear from you.



 I absolutely share your concerns. As a social worker in Baltimore, I saw firsthand how the criminal justice system affects individuals and their families. This is why it's important that Congress makes meaningful reforms to our criminal justice system. This includes looking at ways we can rehabilitate and reintegrate ex-offenders so they have the opportunity to become contributing members of society. It also means looking at ways we can reform our prison system.



 I have long been a strong supporter of the Second Chance Act, which has provided grants that have been used to fund important programs across the country that focus on rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. You can count on my support for funding of the Second Chance Act Congress continues its work on appropriations this year.



 I also have concerns about certain federal mandatory minimum sentences, such as those which punish non-violent, first-time offenders. These provisions tie the hands of judges by forcing them to hand down stiff sentences for crimes that may not warrant such extreme punishments. This is why I am a cosponsor of the Smarter Sentencing Act of 2014 (S. 1410). This bill would reduce mandatory minimum sentences for certain drug offenses and expand the "safety valve," which allows federal judges to sentence non-violent drug offenders below existing mandatory minimums when appropriate. It also makes legislation that reduced the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine offenses retroactive.



 The Senate is also considering legislation that would give individuals who commit non-violent crimes the opportunity to have their criminal records sealed. The Record Expungement Designed to Enhance Employment (REDEEM) Act of 2014 (S. 2567) would allow juveniles under the age of 15 who have committed non-violent crimes to have their criminal records sealed and expunged. This bill would also provide a path for adults who have committed non-violent crimes to have their records sealed. This bill is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary committee.



 Knowing of your support for legislation to reform our criminal justice system will be helpful as the Senate continues to work on this important issue.



 Thanks again for taking the time to write, and please don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance to you in the future. "  