[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E655]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN RECOGNITION OF THE PASSAGE OF THE BAN THE BOX ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KEITH ELLISON

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2013

  Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Minnesota Senator 
Bobby Joe Champion's accomplishment in passing the ``Ban the Box'' Act 
in the Minnesota Legislature. Elected to the Minnesota House of 
Representatives in 2008 and the Minnesota Senate in 2012, Senator 
Champion is a recognized lawyer, activist, and legislator. He has a 
long list of legislative accomplishments, including spearheading the 
Bottineau Corridor transit project, advocating for the creation of the 
Minnesota African-American History Museum, and supporting the 
renovation of Nicollet Mall and Orchestra Hall.
   One of Senator Champion's most important contributions has been 
helping those with a criminal record reintegrate successfully into 
their communities. Senator Champion is the author of the ``Ban the 
Box'' Act, which prohibits employers from asking the job applicant 
whether he or she has ever been arrested or convicted of a crime, with 
a few exceptions for sensitive positions. The ``Ban the Box'' Act is a 
crucial step forward in the fight against poverty and the effort to 
reduce recidivism.
   The past crimes of former felons often follow them throughout their 
lives, preventing them from getting jobs ten, twenty, or even thirty 
years later. Job applicants who have finished serving criminal 
sentences face many challenges and few opportunities to restart their 
lives, making recidivism rates high.
   The ``Ban the Box'' Act targets the main reason people who have 
committed a felony never have a chance at a job--a check off box on a 
job application that asks the applicant to state whether he or she has 
ever committed a felony. By barring employers from asking this question 
on a job application, the Act allows individuals with criminal 
histories to stand on their own merits. The ``Ban the Box'' Act will 
provide employment opportunities to those who have served their 
sentence, raising their quality of life and their chance for success 
and leading to reduced crime.
   Through Bobby Joe Champion's leadership and perseverance, this 
legislation passed both the Minnesota Senate and the Minnesota House of 
Representatives with accolades from both sides of the aisle, and was 
signed into law by Governor Dayton on May 13, 2013.
   I commend Senator Champion for his important work on Minnesota's 
historic ``Ban the Box'' legislation.

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