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Assemblyman Seplveda Lauds Obama Initiatives on Prisoner Reentry

Assemblyman Luis Seplveda, Chair of the Subcommittee on Transitional Services,
which deals with initiatives to ease the path for prisoners released back into society, is
praising President Obama for his announcement this week of key initiatives on the
federal level.
When nonviolent offenders have done their time and are released, we must put in place
the housing and job supports that will best assist them in re-adapting to the community,
said the Bronx legislator. It is our responsibility to remove those obstacles that hinder
them, particularly in finding work and places to live.
President Obama on Monday, Nov. 1, ordered federal agencies to halt asking job
applicants in the initial intake process about their criminal histories.
The president also announced a number of initiatives to help make it easier for former
prisoners to find jobs and live in subsidized housing.
Sepulveda joined in Obamas call, saying the state needs to do a great deal more to
help integrate former inmates back into society.
We must open doors that will help put these men and women on a trajectory of
success, Seplveda said. There are things we know work to keep the formerly
incarcerated from returning to behaviors that led to their convictions. There is no excuse
to not make these efforts.
By taking smart steps to re-integrate former inmates into the community, we will
ensure that most of these persons never return to the criminal justice system, he added.
We need to remove barriers to employment and housing that make reentry
tremendously difficult, he said. And by doing what works, we will enhance public
safety.
He said needed measures include the state banning the box the practice of routinely
questioning job applicants at the very beginning of the application process about any
prior arrests or convictions.
The City Council enacted such a measure in June.

It isnt a question of hiding anything. It is simply that those questions should come only
later in the hiring process, after applicants have had the chance to make their best
impression.
Seplveda said he is advocating for targeted job training; expanded counseling and
mental health services; housing supports; and easier access to vocational and academic
programs.
If we make reentry less of a shock, less of a minefield especially by tapping into the
knowhow of New Yorks vibrant nonprofit sector we can help ensure that most
offenders stay on the right path, become productive members of the community, and,
hopefully, never return to the criminal justice system.
Sepulveda, who also sits on the Assembly Committee on Corrections, represents the
87th Assembly District in the Bronx, which covers Parkchester, West Farms, Castle Hill,
Van Nest, Unionport, and Stratton.

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