One can only believe that it is more than coincidence that less than two weeks after The Citizen published my recent letter calling on State Senate Corrections Committee Chairman Mike Nozzolio to help get the long-stalled Second Chance Act passed by the U.S. Senate, that historic legislation is finally on its way to President Bush for approval. The sole dissenting senator (Richard Shelby, R-AL) at last withdrew his objection.
This historic enactment will provide for a two-year, $336 million prisoner re-entry initiative to expand community-based job training and placement services, to provide transitional housing, and to help newly released prisoners get mentoring, including from faith-based groups. The bill took more than four years to pass.
Congratulations and well done to Senator Nozzolio and his Senate Majority colleagues. It now remains for the State Legislature to ensure that we encourage the development of a community-based infrastructure of providers to access this infusion of federal dollars and deliver it to the most affected communities. This can be the dawn of a new day in community corrections, more effective crime control and community renewal in the state of New York.
Terry O'Neill
Albany
Congratulations and well done to Senator Nozzolio and his Senate Majority colleagues. It now remains for the State Legislature to ensure that we encourage the development of a community-based infrastructure of providers to access this infusion of federal dollars and deliver it to the most affected communities. This can be the dawn of a new day in community corrections, more effective crime control and community renewal in the state of New York.
Terry O'Neill
Albany
