Fortune Society Statement on Failure of Clean Slate Act

The Fortune Society (Fortune) issued the following statement upon the failure of the Assembly to bring the Clean Slate Act to a vote after it passed in the Senate earlier this week.

“We are incredibly disappointed that the New York State Assembly did not vote on the Clean Slate Act that would have significantly changed countless lives. This bill sent a clear signal that everyone deserves a chance to start again, and that a conviction should not define who a person is for the rest of their life. By eliminating barriers that for far too long have prevented people with criminal legal system involvement from moving ahead—and who are disproportionately people of color—Clean Slate charted a path to new opportunities, safer and healthier communities, and a stronger New York State economy. The failure to bring this measure to the Assembly floor will not spell the end of this effort. We applaud the many advocates, organizations, and elected officials who championed Clean Slate. As a member of the Clean Slate New York coalition, we will redouble our efforts to support future passage of this critical legislation, so that people can move forward in supporting their families and communities, creating a stronger and more equitable New York for all of us.”

Founded in 1967, The Fortune Society has advocated on criminal justice issues for over five decades and is nationally recognized for developing model programs that help people with criminal justice histories to be assets to their communities. Fortune offers a holistic and integrated “one-stop-shopping” model of service provision. Among the services offered are discharge planning, licensed outpatient substance abuse and mental health treatment, alternatives to incarceration, HIV/AIDS services, career development and job retention, education, family services, drop in services and supportive housing as well as lifetime access to aftercare. For more information, visit www.fortunesociety.org.