Jill Rizika comments on Collateral Sanctions

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Ohio lawmakers and employers should open doors to employment for those with criminal backgrounds

Published: Friday, December 23, 2011

I wish to thank the editorial board of The Plain Dealer for its efforts to bring awareness to the sanctions and laws -- collectively referred to as "collateral sanctions" -- that narrow and restrict the ability of restored citizens to successfully participate in Ohio's growing economy. At Towards Employment, we work hard every day to prepare people for the work force, many of whom have criminal backgrounds. But too many occupations are closed to people with a felony conviction, regardless of their skills, the nature of their conviction, the time that has passed since the conviction or the amount of rehabilitation achieved by the individual.

Without employment options, we close off opportunities for ex-offenders to be productive members of society, at great cost to families and communities. We encourage lawmakers to act quickly on the recommendations of the Road to Gainful Employment work group, and to get all Ohioans back to work. Even as this work group convenes, we encourage employers to review their own hiring policies, to be sure that they are not missing out on exemplary candidates who may have made mistakes but are ready, prepared and qualified to work.

Jill Rizika, Executive Director of Towards Employment.

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