Senators Markey, Klobuchar Reintroduce Resolution to Remove Barriers from Employment for Individuals After Incarceration

Resolution Text (PDF)

Washington (April 29, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) today reintroduced their resolution to recognize the month of April as "Fair Chance Jobs Month" to ensure that formerly incarcerated individuals have a fair chance at securing good-paying, stable employment. The Fair Chance Jobs Month Resolution acknowledges the importance of removing barriers to employment for those affected by the criminal legal system. Senators Markey and Klobuchar first introduced the resolution in April 2024.

Nearly 80 million Americans, or one in three adults, have a record of arrest or conviction. In the United States, nearly 14,000 laws and regulations restrict formerly incarcerated people from securing professional licenses required for a wide range of jobs. Individuals who reenter society continue to face systemic biases and stigmas that restrict access to employment. Even when formerly incarcerated individuals get hired, they earn lower wages on average than the general population.

"Formerly incarcerated individuals deserve a fair shot at a steady future and a stable career," said Senator Markey. "The Fair Chance Jobs Month Resolution is a vital step toward securing justice and economic security for those impacted by the criminal legal system. I am proud to reintroduce this resolution alongside Senator Klobuchar to help dismantle structural barriers, expand workforce development programs, and enable returning citizens to succeed."

"As a former prosecutor, I have seen firsthand the employment challenges people can face when they are released after serving their sentence," said Senator Klobuchar. "This resolution to recognize Fair Chance Jobs Month will raise awareness of the barriers formerly incarcerated people face in the job market and promote opportunities for those who are looking to reenter the workforce."

Cosponsors of the resolution in the Senate include Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.).

The Fair Chance Jobs Month Resolution is endorsed by JustLeadershipUSA.

"This resolution recognizes the immense harm caused by the criminal legal system-especially its economic impact on directly affected individuals-and highlights ongoing barriers to basic needs that continue to affect families and communities. Solutions to these permanent punishments exist. The Fair Chance Jobs Month Resolution outlines the whole-of-government approach necessary to ensure access and opportunity. To enhance public safety and stabilize the economy, we must dismantle ineffective policies and expand pathways to training and enhanced support," said DeAnna Hoskins, President/CEO of JustLeadership USA and Founder of the JustUS Coordinating Council.

###

• Print
• Email
• Like
• Tweet