Ban the Box To Aid Ex-Offenders Job Search

Several pieces of proposed state legislation this session are aimed at granting ex-offenders a true second chance at living successfully in the community.

According to the MN Second Chance Coalition, employment is a critical factor in reducing recidivism, so one proposed law coming this session known as "ban the box" will remove questions of criminal background from applications so that ex-offenders have a better opportunity to prove themselves in a job interview. The idea has the support of former Governor Al Quie.

Quie admits decades ago, he wouldn’t have dreamed of supporting the legislation. That changed 41 years ago when he started mentoring prisoners. He says having access to employment is critical for ex-offenders to rebuild their lives and their dignity.