Congressman Cohen Announces $191,593 Ex-Offender Rehabilitation in Memphis

“The recidivism rate in our country is disgraceful,” said Congressman Cohen. “Over the last decade, crime has fallen precipitously while the prison population has exploded. It is time to get serious about rehabilitation and giving people a chance to succeed once they’ve served their debt to society; otherwise, we’ll prolong the revolving door justice system currently in place. I was proud to sponsor this grant and I’m grateful to Department of Labor for awarding it to the City of Memphis, but this is only the first step.”

Congressman Cohen continued, “The days of releasing people from prison back into the community with a bus ticket and a meal voucher must come to an end. Left without any resources, far too many ex-offenders fall back through the cracks into the criminal underworld. We need to correct this problem immediately by providing ex-offenders coordinated services and information about the availability of drug treatment, mental health treatment and job training. In 2007, I proudly cosponsored the H.R. 1593, the Second Chance Act, which was signed into law. This legislation provides for a coordinated strategy for successful re-entry with proven results. I will continue to fight to ensure that when the gates of prison open, the path ahead leads to a better life.”

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Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, 202-225-3265
Charlie Gerber, Communications Assistant, 202-225-3265