[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 3, 2024)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 22893-22894]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-07194]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 89 , No. 65 / Wednesday, April 3, 2024 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 22893]]


                Proclamation 10721 of March 29, 2024

                
Second Chance Month, 2024

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                America was founded on the promise of new beginnings. 
                During Second Chance Month, we recommit to building a 
                criminal justice system that lives up to those ideals 
                so that people returning to their communities from jail 
                or prison have a fair shot at the American Dream.

                Every year, more than 650,000 people are released from 
                State and Federal prisons, some leaving with nothing 
                more than a few dollars and a bus ticket to start their 
                new lives. In total, over 70 million Americans have a 
                criminal history record, which can make it hard to 
                secure a steady job, safe housing, affordable health 
                care, or a good education--all important things to have 
                when trying to build a good life. Studies show that 
                when these needs are met, we do not just empower 
                formerly incarcerated people--we prevent crime and make 
                our communities safer.

                That is why, last year, my Administration released a 
                comprehensive strategic plan to improve the criminal 
                justice system and strengthen public safety. It 
                includes over 100 concrete actions that my 
                Administration is taking to boost public safety by 
                improving rehabilitation in jails and prisons, helping 
                people rebuild their lives, and reducing unnecessary 
                interactions with the criminal justice system so police 
                officers can focus on fighting crime.

                We have also invested nearly $1 billion in job 
                training, addiction recovery, and reentry services 
                across the country, and we have expanded access to Pell 
                Grants so people can earn a college degree while they 
                are incarcerated, starting over with new skills. We are 
                also helping folks find good-paying jobs rebuilding 
                America on projects funded by our historic 
                infrastructure law and expanding opportunities to serve 
                in the Federal Government. We are working to make sure 
                those who have served their time have an equal 
                opportunity to obtain health care, housing, education, 
                and consideration for small business loans. By meeting 
                these needs, we not only empower people to chase their 
                dreams and fuel our economy--we also prevent crime and 
                make our communities safer and stronger.

                At the same time, my Administration has taken historic 
                steps to end America's failed approach to marijuana. 
                Incarceration for marijuana possession alone has 
                destroyed too many lives, particularly for Black and 
                brown Americans, who have been arrested, prosecuted, 
                and convicted at higher rates than other racial and 
                ethnic groups. In 2022, I asked the Secretary of Health 
                and Human Services and the Attorney General to start 
                formally reviewing how marijuana is scheduled under 
                Federal law. I have issued categorical pardons for 
                people convicted for simple possession and use under 
                Federal and D.C. law while urging governors to do the 
                same on the State level. It is simple: No one should be 
                in jail or prison for using or possessing marijuana 
                alone. Meanwhile, my Administration has made historic 
                investments to expand access to mental health and 
                substance use services. We have also provided $400 
                million to prevent juvenile justice involvement and 
                make these systems more responsive to the needs of 
                youth. We have provided over $3 billion in funding for 
                education programs that provide support, services, and 
                interventions, which keep students positively engaged 
                in their schools and communities.

[[Page 22894]]

                If we pursue this work together, our communities will 
                be safer, stronger, and more just. It will make 
                families and communities whole and help grow our 
                economy, giving everyone a fair chance. I have always 
                believed that our Nation's best days are ahead--and 
                that is true for every single American too. This month, 
                we recommit to fulfilling the fresh promise that every 
                second chance holds.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of 
                the United States of America, by virtue of the 
                authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws 
                of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2024 as 
                Second Chance Month. I call upon government officials, 
                educators, volunteers, and all the people of the United 
                States to observe this month with appropriate programs, 
                ceremonies, and activities.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-ninth day of March, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and forty-
                eighth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2024-07194
Filed 4-2-24; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3395-F4-P