CSS Applauds Gov. Hochul and State Legislature for Making NY the 12th State to Enact Clean Slate
The Community Service Society of New York (CSS) applauds Governor Hochul for signing the Clean Slate Act today, which will relieve millions of New Yorkers from the perpetual punishment of stale criminal records, a burden that has always fallen more harshly on communities of color. In doing so, New York becomes the 12th state to enact this common-sense law aimed at increasing economic opportunities for people who have paid their debt to society and deserve a chance to fully participate and contribute to New York’s economic recovery.
CSS was a member of the steering committee leading a coalition of social justice and economic justice advocates, as well as business leaders, faith-based leaders and unions, who advocated for passage of Clean Slate. This legislation, sponsored by State Senator Zellnor Myrie and Assemblymember Catalina Cruz, automatically seals many criminal records which often prevent individuals from moving beyond their criminal histories to secure work, housing and take care of their families. It passed the Legislature in June.
Clean Slate is a victory years in the making, and we use this moment of celebration to recommit ourselves to the work to come. We look forward to working on implementation of the law so that the dream of a second chance finally becomes reality in our state.
Several CSS staff, past and present, had a hand in making this day possible. We acknowledge the work of our Legal Affairs Department, led by Vice President Paul Keefe, and Senior Staff Attorney Stephen Dunn, who was point on the Clean Slate campaign. And very special thanks to former CSS General Counsel Judith Whiting, who helped craft the original legislation and worked on this issue over the last three years of her tenure at CSS.
Congratulations to all!”
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