Tell Lawmakers: Remove Barriers to Opportunity

Support Occupational Licensing Reform

Sign The Letter

Dear Legislator:

Occupational Licensing reform would make our streets safer while lowering barriers to opportunity for former offenders who have served their time. Many of the state’s 200+ occupational licensing boards ban individuals with a criminal record—even if it was years ago and has nothing to do with that profession or license. For example, should a long-ago drug conviction prevent someone from becoming a hair braider? Without any hope of an appeal? When formerly incarcerated individuals re-enter their communities, they are looking for work. Unfortunately, our state’s discriminatory occupational licensing laws often keep them from finding rewarding and meaningful jobs. As a result, many fall into the sort of behavior that sent them to prison in the first place. The dignity of work is important in reducing recidivism and saving taxpayer dollars, as it costs more than $60k to incarcerate someone in New Jersey. Reform would provide a second chance by removing the barriers to employment for professions that have nothing to do with a formerly incarcerated individual’s crime. It would make our streets safer and our communities stronger. Please consider sponsoring this legislation and voting yes.

Sincerely,

Yes, I want to Volunteer