A New Start for Pennsylvanians with Minor Criminal Records

A clean slate policy would help Pennsylvanians gain employment and provide for themselves and their families, as well as grow the commonwealth's economy.

Part of a Series

Idea of the Day

Idea of the Day

Between 70 million and 100 million—or 1 in 3 Americans—have some type of criminal record. In Pennsylvania, this translates into nearly 3 million of the commonwealth’s citizens. Many have only minor records, such as misdemeanors, summary offenses, or arrests without conviction. Nonetheless, even a minor criminal record can present lifetime barriers to opportunity, putting jobs, housing, education, and more out of reach. Enabling Pennsylvanians with minor criminal records to earn a clean slate would make it possible for them to get past these barriers, get to work, and provide for their families—while strengthening the economy and enhancing public safety.

For more on this idea, please see:

All Pennsylvanians Will Benefit from a Clean Slate Policy for Minor Criminal Records by Rebecca Vallas and Sharon Dietrich

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