The Public Safety Act aims to:

1) reduce the waiting period to seal a CORI to 3 years for a misdemeanor and 7 years for a felony (currently 10-15 years)

2) allow employers to check a CORI only after they have shown interest in hiring the applicant

3) remove non-conviction, not-guilty and dismissed cases from the CORI

4) allow juveniles to have their CORIs purged by a judge

The vast majority came out in support of our bill.

Governor Deval Patrick's representative announced a Study Commission on the issue of reforms. As CORI reform advocates, we are strongly opposed to another commission and are calling for Governor Patrick to deliver on his campaign promises to take strong action on this issue, now.

State Representatives Gloria Fox, Willie Mae Allen, Cleon Turner and Benjamin Swan all testified in support of 1416. Councilor Chuck Turner made a strong case in favor or reducing the waiting period to seal CORIs, as did representatives from the Massachusetts Bar Association and the Boston Bar Association.

Boston City Councilor Chuck Turner with other CORI reform leaders at Crosstown rally [photo: Jonathan McIntosh]

Representative Michael Festa, the lead sponsor of the Public Safety Act, brought in speakers from Texas, Illinois and Washington DC to give insight into the CORI reforms that have happened across the country. Sheriff's Cabral and Ash also spoke in favor of broad CORI reforms.

However, lawyers from the Massachusetts Business Association spoke against 1416 and argued that employers should have full access to CORI records, including dismissed and not-guilty cases.

Most who came to support the bill were prevented from entering the actual hearing, as the room quickly filled to capacity. Legislators and politicians were given first priority, leaving community leaders, clergy, and labor leaders waiting for hours.

Nearly everyone besides Chairman Eugene O’Flaherty acknowledged the need for drastic changes in the very near future. Direct pressure is needed on O’Flaherty, Menino and Governor Patrick to adopt the priorities of our coalition.

BWA members Maggie Brown and Stanely Porter testified with 16-year-old Jalelle Cosgrove of the Roxbury Environ-mental Empowerment Project. They drew a powerful picture of the depression and hopelessness that arises from preventing so many people from working.

Maggie Brown stated, “I want to show my children that working and going to school is the civilized thing to do. With the current CORI laws, I am paralyzed from doing so.”

Jalelle explained that the thousands of youth who were unemployable and out of school created a recipe for violence in the neighborhoods. Emma Bradley and Magnolia Turbi-dui from Worcester EPOCA described their devastation from the CORI laws.

Thousands of activists across the State have helped propel this politically unpopular issue onto the cusp of becoming a reality. While CORI reform advocates gain strength, the opposition is also beginning to mobilize. The next several months will be critical.

To help, contact Boston Workers Alliance

telephone (617) 427-8108

Call-In for CORI REFORM

Please call officials by Nov 21, 2007

Join the statewide call-in for jobs & CORI reform!

Example: Governor's office (617) 725-4005

"Hello, my name is ___________.

I am a resident of ___________ and I would like to leave a message for Governor Patrick regarding the need for CORI reform.…”