TUESDAY: NATIONAL EXPERTS HOST DISCUSSION ON REHABILITATIVE WORKFORCE POLICIES, PUBLIC SAFETY, MINNESOTA’S ECONOMY

Nation’s Largest Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Org to Host Discussion Highlighting Policies Pending Before Legislature

St. Paul, MN – Minnesota’s reentry and rehabilitation policies contribute to barriers that prevent nearly one in four Minnesotans – those who have a criminal record – from obtaining meaningful employment, but lawmakers are considering changes this session that could boost the economy and public safety simultaneously.

The Justice Action Network – the nation’s largest bipartisan criminal justice reform group working at both the state and federal levels – is hosting a discussion on Tuesday evening at the Minnesota Historical Society featuring notable Minnesota stakeholders, justice-involved advocates, and national experts, which will focus on national best practices for improving recidivism rates, workforce participation, and providing a meaningful second chance to those who have made past mistakes.

The event, which is taking place during Second Chance Month, will address both the economic and public safety implications of Minnesota’s current probation, parole, expungement, and other re-entry policies, including best practices and evidence-based recommendations, some of which are currently under consideration by the legislature.

The event is open to the public and members of the media are encouraged to attend. A pre-panel reception will begin at 5:00 PM. After a brief welcome by Ramsey County Attorney John Choi at 5:30 PM, a panel discussion will be moderated by Justice Action Network’s Deputy Director, Lauren Krisai. Panelist perspectives include a nationally-recognized expert in second chance business practices, a former lawmaker turned Dakota County Commissioner, and a Minnesota woman whose personal story and advocacy earned her an invite to Governor Walz’s 2023 State of the State address.

Panelists Include: 

• Maggie O'Donnell, Policy & Advocacy Director at the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ)

• Jennifer Schroeder, Minnesota-Based Advocate

• Mary Liz Holberg, Dakota County Commissioner (District 6)

• Jorge Saavedra, Assistant Ramsey County Attorney

What: The Rehabilitative Economy: A Workforce Discussion

Where: Minnesota Historical Society, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55102

When: Tuesday, April 25th at 5:00 PM CST

RSVP: Here

Participants available for interviews