TRENTON — Richard Draughn says telling the truth on job applications almost assures he won’t be hired because he checks the "yes" box when asked if he’s ever been convicted. He hasn’t heard back from the last 30 employers he’s applied to for jobs. "I want to check ‘no’" said Draughn, 34, of Jersey City, who was released two...
TRENTON — Richard Draughn says telling the truth on job applications almost assures he won’t be hired because he checks the "yes" box when asked if he’s ever been convicted. He hasn’t heard back from the last 30 employers he’s applied to for jobs.
"I want to check ‘no’" said Draughn, 34, of Jersey City, who was released two years ago after spending 10 years in prison for selling cocaine and heroin. "But I know later on it could come back to hurt me."
State Sen. Sandra Cunningham (D-Hudson) wants to help people like Draughn by encouraging local governments to do business with companies that hire former prisoners.
Cunningham’s bill (S2556), which was approved 7-4 by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee mostly along party lines, would permit counties and municipalities to set aside a percentage of their public contracts for companies that employ former prisoners.
"It’s difficult for most of us who have college degrees and a great deal of job experience to find jobs in these times. It’s especially difficult for people who may have made a mistake in life, been incarcerated, and then come back in society," said Cunningham.
The legislation is part of a package of at least 30 bills Democrats are pushing to boost job creation. Supporters of the bill said when former prisoners can’t find jobs, they’re more likely to turn back to crime.
"If we don’t provide them some opportunities, they could end up right back in a prison cell," said Senate Budget Committee Chairman Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen).
Opponents, however, said the measure would give ex-offenders special treatment.
"Here we have folks who have fallen below the standard we expect of our citizens," said state Sen. Michael Doherty (R-Warren). "To put (them) ahead of citizens who have not been incarcerated is not something I can support."
Currently, counties and towns can set aside contracts for small businesses and those owned by women and minorities. Cunningham’s bill does not establish guidelines for the towns on how many former prisoners the company must employ.
The committee also approved a less controversial bill that would require state agencies to set aside 3 percent of their contracts for businesses owned by veterans.