Second Chance Month, 2024

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.

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.