***Legislative Alert***

Public Hearing of SB-207 in Room 411 South Monday, October 23 at 11:35 a.m.

Representative Joel Kleefisch (R-Oconomowoc) and Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) are introducing a bill that would allow employers to refuse to employ, to bar, or to terminate any individual who has been convicted of a felony. Currently, it is illegal to discriminate in employment based on a conviction record.

Employment is one of the most important aspects of successful reentry from prison, and our state has a vested interest in assisting former offenders in returning to the community. Keeping offenders employed will keep recidivism rates low and save taxpayer money. Under the pretext of preventing dubious lawsuits against employers, Rep. Kleefisch and Sen. Darling will introduce legislation that will cost our state money and do nothing to improve public welfare and safety.

I believe employers should be prohibited from inquiring about conviction or discriminating on the basis of conviction before applicants are scheduled for an interview. Our current law gives reentering offenders the opportunity to explain their circumstances or to describe their efforts at rehabilitation. Without that opportunity, successful reentry is impossible. I invite you all to attend this public hearing and voice your opposition of employment discrimination.

Public Hearing on SB-207
Where: State Capitol Room 411 South
When: 11:35 a.m.

Call the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-362-9472 and let your Senator know to OPPOSE employment discrimination!

You can also contact my office at 414-342-7176, and let my staff know your comments, and I will make sure that they are directed to the committee chairperson.