http://www.raiseyourvoice.com/index.shtml

The Coalition for Higher Education Act Reform (CHEAR) is a coalition of religious, criminal justice, drug treatment, education, civil rights, health organizations, and victims seeking to repeal the Drug Provision of the Higher Education Act (also known as the "Aid Elimination Penalty,") a 1998 law that delays or denies federal financial aid to people convicted of state or federal drug offenses. Since taking effect in the fall of 2000, roughly 200,000 students have been denied aid. These young people, who have already been punished for their offenses, are now dropping out of school or reducing their course loads because they cannot afford the high cost of tuition.

I called my representatives, asking for their support for Second Chance Act, but how do I support this? Is any Rep or Senator carrying such a bill, or willing to support it?
I want so badly for my son to be able to go back to college when he finishes his time, and wish I had the $$ to bring that into being, but I don't.
It is as if he is being punished twice.

I agree that people need to get together to repeal the Drug Provision of the Higher Education Act.
I don't think that Federal Aid does background checks on applicants, there are far too many. If they are going to deny you if you check the box on the application asking if you have ever been convicted of a drug related crime...don't check the box!
Admittedly, not a very above board way of doing it, but they are not playing fair either. After release from prison, felons are punished over and over again, by employers, the ability to vote in some states and the life-long stigma that they will carry for the rest of their lives. Finding a decent job is very hard for a felon and this act denies them education that could mean the difference between success or ending up back in prison. Sooner or later a person who keeps banging up against brick walls will just give up.

Amazing!

The Governor for the State of Florida Charles Crist stated...once someone's done his time in jail/prison,then that's it. I have to give him some credit where it's due because he was the one that did get on television and let ex-felons and of the like know-YOU CAN VOTE ONCE RELEASED! So many ex felons applied and received clemency...it truly brought tears to my eyes. These were folk that didn't know they could vote-and our Governon is Republican! So maybe it's all about the spirit of fair play...:idea: