September 4, 2015 Re: Bend the Arc Urges Support for the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2015 (Fair Chance Act) Dear Senator/Representative: As Director of Bend the Arc Jewish Action, the largest national Jewish social justice organization focused exclusively on domestic policy, I write to you about an important bill that I urge you to cosponsor, the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2015 (Fair Chance Act) – introduced by Senator Cory Booker and Representative Elijah Cummings. Almost one in three adults in the United States has a criminal record that will show up on a routine criminal background check. Studies show that men who reported convictions are approximately 50 percent less likely to receive callbacks or job offers, and African-American men are 40 percent less likely to receive interviews. For individuals who have paid their debt to society, and are trying to turn the page on a difficult chapter in their lives, criminal convictions pose a substantial barrier to employment. Thankfully, jurisdictions across the country are dismantling these barriers to employment. Not only have eighteen states and more than 100 cities and counties have taken action to give formerly incarcerated people a fair chance to secure employment by removing the felony conviction box check from applications, but companies such as Walmart, Starbucks, Koch Industries, Target, Home Depot, and Bed, Bath & Beyond have embraced Ban the Box policies to fairly assess job applicants. We are at a time in the Jewish calendar that focuses on taking account for past actions and renewing our commitment to proper action. Ancient Jewish practices and teachings require that when a person has done wrong and has made restitution, we must accept them back into the community. By continuing to limit the opportunity for employment long after individuals have paid their debt to society, our society restricts the ability of people to become contributing members of their communities. Not only is this ongoing punishment poor public policy, it is simply wrong. The Fair Chance Act would reduce recidivism and strengthen our communities. I urge you support it. Sincerely,

Hadar Susskind Director, Bend the Arc Jewish Action