CONGRESSMAN DANNY K. DAVIS MARKS ANNIVERSARY OF SECOND CHANCE ACT WITH CALL TO EXPAND REENTRY INVESTMENTS

Chicago, IL — Congressman Danny K. Davis today commemorated the anniversary of the signing of the Second Chance Act, landmark bipartisan legislation he led in Congress to support individuals returning home from incarceration and strengthen communities through successful reentry.

Signed into law in 2008, the Second Chance Act fundamentally reshaped federal reentry policy by investing in job training, housing support, substance use treatment, mentoring, and community-based services designed to reduce recidivism and improve long-term outcomes.

“When we passed the Second Chance Act, we recognized that permanent punishment should not define a person’s future,” said Congressman Davis. “We made a commitment to redemption, accountability, and opportunity—and that work continues today.”

Nationally, approximately 70 million to 100 Americans—about one in three adults—have a criminal record, and nearly 2 million women are released from U.S. jails each year, underscoring the scale of reentry challenges.

In Illinois’ 7th Congressional District, an estimated 140,000 to 145,000 adults live with a criminal record—roughly one in four adults and nearly one in five households—representing a significant portion of the community directly impacted by reentry policies.

Since its passage, Congress has appropriated more than $1.2 billion for Second Chance Act programs, supporting state and local initiatives across the country that reduce recidivism, improve employment outcomes, and strengthen public safety.

“These investments have helped build a national reentry infrastructure, but the need remains urgent,” Davis said. “Too many returning citizens still face barriers to employment, housing, and healthcare that prevent full reintegration into society.”

Congressman Davis emphasized that reentry is not only a matter of justice, but also of economic stability and community safety.

“When individuals successfully reenter society, families are stronger, communities are safer, and our economy benefits,” Davis said. “The Second Chance Act has proven that smart investments in people lead to better outcomes for everyone.”

As Congress looks ahead, Davis called for expanding and modernizing reentry programs to meet the current scale of need.

“We must build on the foundation we created,” Davis added. “That means increasing funding, removing systemic barriers, and ensuring that every person returning home has a real opportunity to succeed.”

SUCCESS SUMMARY 

The Second Chance Act has delivered measurable results by shifting federal policy toward evidence-based reentry.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance and program evaluations:

• Second Chance Act programs have reduced recidivism, with some initiatives showing 10–20 percentage point declines in reoffending compared to similar populations.
• Participants have seen improved employment outcomes, including higher job placement and retention rates after release.
• The Act helped build a national reentry infrastructure, funding hundreds of state and local programs providing housing, workforce training, and behavioral health services.
• Programs have expanded substance abuse and mental health treatment, addressing key drivers of incarceration.
• Youth reentry initiatives have improved school re-enrollment and reduced juvenile recidivism. 

Since its passage, Congress has invested over $1.2 billion in Second Chance Act programs, supporting efforts that strengthen public safety by helping individuals successfully return to their communities.