Press Release
NYS Business and Labor Leaders Call For Passage Of Clean Slate Legislation
Clean Slate Would Automatically Seal And Expunge Conviction Records, Boosting Wages and Economic Growth
NEW YORK — Labor and business leaders from around New York State called today for passage of Clean Slate legislation (S1553A/A6399), which would create a unique two-step process for sealing and expunging conviction records. The participants, which included 1199 SEIU, Cresco Labs, R/GA, RWDSU Local 338 and the Brennan Center for Justice, argued that eliminating the stigma of a conviction record will boost economic growth, strengthen businesses and create new jobs. Earlier this month, JPMorgan Chase came out in support of the legislation. Advocates and activists also participated in an Economic Justice Advocacy Day, speaking to legislators about Clean Slate’s importance to individuals, families, communities and the state’s economy.
Click here for a recording of the event.
Almost 2.3 million New Yorkers have a conviction record, which keeps many from accessing life essentials like employment and housing. As a result, people become trapped in a cycle of poverty throughout their life, which destabilizes our communities and hurts our economy. Research has shown that those with a conviction history can lose up to nearly $500,000 in lifetime earnings. By automatically clearing conviction records, Clean Slate legislation would change this grim reality. Studies from other states with similar laws have shown a significant increase in wages for those impacted.
“We are facing a once in a lifetime opportunity to rebuild our city better than it was,” said Henry Garrido, Executive Director, District Council 37, AFSCME. “We must think beyond the standard forms of recovery and use this chance to create an inclusive society for all of us – including those unfairly held back by past convictions. We must break the cycle of prejudice and poverty and pass the Clean Slate Act so that hardworking New Yorkers get the second chance they deserve.”
New York has had an application-based sealing law in effect since 2017, a good first step but one that has proven ineffective at delivering the relief New York needs. In the three years since it was enacted, less than 0.5% of the estimated eligible individuals have had their records cleared. The process is burdensome, often requires an attorney, and wastes court resources. The newly introduced Clean Slate legislation provides automatic relief, to ensure that all eligible people benefit and that access to expungement does not depend on a person’s ability to afford legal counsel or navigate bureaucratic hurdles.
“Everyone who has committed a crime and served their sentence deserves to move forward with their life,” said Maurice Brown, 1199 SEIU Hudson Valley & Capital Region Political Director. “Unfortunately, many New Yorkers with a criminal record are discriminated against when they look for jobs and housing and this disproportionately impacts low-income people of color. As we begin to rebuild our economy after the pandemic, we need all New Yorkers to participate in the economy and no one should be excluded for a past mistake.”
"My neighbor and friend was only an 18-year-old boy when he was charged for simply trying to get food," said Indaria Jones, a member of Center for Community Alternatives and small business owner in Syracuse. "He is now 50 years old, a skilled laborer and graduate of culinary school. But he still struggles to buy food, housing, and employment to provide for himself and his family of 6 because of his felony conviction. The jobs are often low-wage, and he is unable to pursue his passion for food due to barriers created by his record. It's time for a Clean Slate."
“Our system punishes people unfairly. Millions of New Yorkers are needlessly unemployed or underemployed, homeless or without permanent housing, just because they have a conviction record. We could all use a clean slate because no one should serve a life sentence in or out of prison,” said Ashish Prashar R/GA Global Chief Marketing Officer.
“As representatives for workers, Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW knows all too well the many obstacles that working people can and do face as they pursue financial stability and economic independence. Despite having paid their debts to society, those who have been justice involved face added obstacles in employment, particularly in accessing quality jobs that allow them to move up the career ladder. Passing S.1553A/A.6399 means eliminating unnecessary barriers, particularly in the workplace, to allow individuals to thrive without the harsh reality of being punished well beyond their sentence has ended. By giving New Yorkers a clean slate, we’re giving them a second chance," said Nikki Kateman, Political & Communications Director of Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW.
“As a proud New York employer, Cresco Labs supports any effort to build a vibrant, inclusive workforce by allowing those who have paid their debts to society the ability to return to the workplace without barriers or stigma. Cresco Labs supports this critical, long past due expungement legislation championed by State Senator Myrie, Assembly Member Cruz, and the Clean Slate Coalition, that will help grow our economy and provide New Yorkers the opportunity to fill good jobs,” said Barrington Rutherford, Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Community Integration, Cresco Labs.
“All too often, the consequences of a criminal record last for life, which can mean decades of diminished job opportunities,” said Ames Grawert, senior counsel in the Justice Program at the Brennan Center for Justice. “Our research shows that even a misdemeanor conviction can reduce annual earnings by around 16 percent. Passing Clean Slate legislation will ensure that New York provides second chances for people who have completed their sentence and avoided new convictions, and put the state at the forefront of a national bipartisan movement.”