FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Ronald G. Waters D-Phila./Delaware www.pahouse.com/waters

Waters says second chances for ex-offenders key to reducing crime

HARRISBURG, April 23 – State Rep. Ronald G. Waters, D-Phila./Delaware, participated in a rally on the Capitol steps this week to draw attention to the importance of giving ex-offenders a second chance.

Waters said this second chance is a proactive approach to reducing crime.

"The state locks up offenders and then after their release, the public locks them out," he said. "Giving ex-offenders a second chance helps them to avoid the culture of street crime and gives them an opportunity to participate in legal activities."

Some of the topics that were addressed included the escalating cost of incarceration and how it could be better used for rehabilitative services and discrepancies in the criminal justice system.

Also attending Tuesday's event was state Sens. Shirley Kitchen, who organized the rally, and Vincent Hughes, and state Reps. Tony Payton and Jake Wheatley.

The legislators pledged to work on legislation designed to address some of these issues.

Waters also serves as chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus.

###agh/2009/jma
l:'print'releases'2ndchancerally.191