Episcopal City Mission Blog

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

CORI Reform - We need your help!

Dear Friends,

This is a note from one of our Burgess Urban Fund Grantees. Please take a moment to read and take action!

Nearly 1.5 million Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) reports are issued each year, these reports are notoriously flawed and difficult to interpret. CORIs display all court arraignments--regardless of the eventual outcome of the case--and in effect, turn all criminal histories into "life sentences". These misleading reports can keep a Massachusetts citizen securing employment, housing, loans, insurance, and entrance to college.

Just 5 minutes of your day could help thousands of men and women attain opportunities for a stable life. Please take a moment to make a call

Best,
Katie

________

Dear Friends,

Last fall the Senate passed the CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) reform bill by a vote of 28-12. Now, we have just a few weeks to get it through the House of Representatives, and onto Governor Patrick's desk! Speaker DeLeo says he wants to do this soon, but time is running out.

PLEASE call your State Representative TODAY and ask her or him to tell Speaker DeLeo that s/he would like to vote on the CORI Reform bill H.3523 right away!

To find out who your Rep. is, go to www.wheredoIvotema.com and type in your address.

Your Rep's name will be next to where it says: "REP IN GENERAL COURT".
Click on the Rep's name, and it will take you to a page with her or his phone number.


Here is a script to help you make your call:
(Chances are you will speak to an aide not the Representative)

Hello Representative .…..’s office.

I live your name and address and I am calling to ask my Representative to ask Speaker DeLeo to bring up H.3523, the CORI Reform Bill for a vote as soon as possible.

Thank you.

__
If we don't do it now, the moment will pass, and we're looking at a very long road ahead. Please help today!!

For questions please call:
Steve O'Neill
Ex-prisoners and Prisoners Organizing for Community Advancement
(508) 410-7676

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Save the Date: Annual Meeting June 7, 2011

Keynote speaker The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop the Episcopal Church

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