New Leadership. New Direction. A New Philadelphia.

CONTACT: Melanie Johnson
(215) 545-9700
(267) 984-2027
 melanie@nutter2007.com 

NUTTER PROPOSES RE-ENTRY EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM FOR EX-OFFENDERS

Philadelphia, March 13, 2007 -- Today, Michael Nutter proposed a plan that will offer incentives to the Philadelphia business community to hire ex-offenders for jobs.  Nutter's Philadelphia Re-Entry Employment Program ("PREP") would create a database of public and private sector employment opportunities for ex-offenders, require those who receive city contracts to identify potential jobs and cooperate with the city to expand opportunities to hire ex-offenders, and provide tax credits for businesses that hire ex-offenders.

"Philadelphia must deal with the reality that a significant number of ex-offenders return to our streets and communities,” said Nutter.  “The biggest barrier that ex-offenders face in becoming a positive influence in the community is finding a job. My plan will address the City's staggering recidivism rate by better incorporating ex-offenders into the workforce. Someone who has served time for a criminal offense and paid their debt to society deserves a second chance; we need to offer them that opportunity. We either help now or pay later.”

Tara Batchler, Executive Director of Hannah House said, “Many ex-offenders return to the community with marketable skills obtained while incarcerated.  There is a clear link between ex-offenders gaining employment and a reduction in the recidivist rate.  It is the responsibility of the larger community to assist ex-offenders during their transition process.  Providing ex-offenders with employment opportunities will not only assist in their transition process but will enhance the community as a whole.”

Joining Nutter and Batchler was Karen Burgess, Executive Director for the Metropolitan Career Center, who said, " People returning from incarceration need three things: a supportive environment and services, job-focused education and training, and access to jobs. Hannah House and MCC prepare people to productively re-enter the community, and with the right policies, the City of Philadelphia can help open doors to decent jobs so people can find pathways to success."

“MCC and Hannah House are part of the solution,” said Nutter.  “With the right policies the City of Philadelphia can provide the necessary leadership to help open doors in the public and private sector and provide the incentive needed for businesses to cooperate and hire ex-offenders who are just hoping for a helping hand and a second chance at life.”

Hannah House was originally established in 1982 to focus on the growing needs of female parolees. As a transitional housing program for women, Hannah House is committed to providing a caring and compassionate environment and the necessary support and skills to break the cycle of incarceration in their lives and their children, so as to realize their full potential as valuable members of society.

For more information about PREP visit our website at www.nutter2007.com.

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PO Box 58550 • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
Phone: (215) 545-9700 • Facsimile: (215) 545-4088
www.NutterForMayor.com
Paid for by Nutter for Mayor, Kahiga A. Tiagha, Esq., Treasurer

Last Updated: March 16, 2007