Magnolia State News

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves has declared April as "Second Chance Month" to underscore the rehabilitation and reintegration process for individuals with criminal records.

The proclamation addresses the difficulties encountered by "more than 70 million" Americans living with criminal histories. These challenges include barriers to re-entry, which contribute to recidivism, loss of economic output, and decreased public safety. The proclamation issued by Reeves cites over 44,000 collateral consequences of criminal convictions across the nation, with 864 specific to Mississippi. According to the proclamation, this initiative aligns with national efforts to assist former inmates, emphasizing the importance of community support, dignified work, and targeted re-entry programs in providing second chances. The initiative also pays tribute to Charles Colson, a prominent figure in prisoner support following his incarceration related to Watergate.

Empower Mississippi acknowledged Governor Reeves' proclamation in a press release. The tradition of "Second Chance Month" is also in line with the organization's efforts to promote "initiatives supporting employment and housing opportunities" for residents without a criminal record who are struggling with societal re-entry.

Empower Mississippi is an advocacy group based in Madison, Mississippi that is committed to promoting education reform, criminal justice reform, and economic liberty throughout the state according to their website. Established in 2014, its current CEO is Grant Callen.