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Leaders announce help for citizens with criminal records
Mayor Andy Berke and community leaders announced new resources to help citizens with criminal histories.
A new website called RestoreMyRights.com will help citizens take the needed steps to restore their voting rights and file for record expungement. Leaders also announced financial assistance for those who may not be able to afford the $450 to finalize an expungement.
"There are people in Chattanooga who have filled out the paperwork but don’t have the money to finalize their expungement," Berke said. "Over the next few weeks, my office will bring together partners throughout the community to determine ways we can identify the individuals who need financial assistance for an expungement and then raise funds to help them clear that last hurdle."
Berke announced the new resources Monday at the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga alongside members of the Chattanooga City Council and the Mayor’s Council for Women Justice Committee.
Berke said because it's unclear how many people will need the resources, officials don't know how much it will cost.
Local attorney Chantelle Roberson spoke about the importance of removing barriers for those who have a criminal record and providing them with the tools, such as RestoreMyRights.com, to move their lives forward.
"This initiative is a way to remove those barriers and to help those with a criminal background to gain access to good jobs and to support reclaiming their access to vote," she said.
Officials said that many people made a mistake years ago and have been working hard and doing the right things since then, but need a little more help.
The restrictions some people with criminal backgrounds face have a negative impact, not only on the individuals but on their families and the entire community, she said.
"This is a systemic issue that we can do something about," Roberson said.
Watch the video above for full statements and more information about how the process works.
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