Clean Slate Implementation Delay Impacts Over 100,000 in Connecticut
Listen to Father Mike’s Homily from last weekend about the Clean Slate Legislation we have been hearing about / advocating for the last few years. The time is now to speak out to Gov. Lamont, on Thursday, April 11!!!
In 2022, our parish joined faith communities within the Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance (GHIAA), and others across Connecticut, to make justice and mercy tangible for thousands of men and women convicted of lower-level crimes who had kept their record clean by advocating for Clean Slate legislation that would wipe their records clean. It was a long, hard fight, but thanks to your successful advocacy efforts, it passed and was signed into law in June 2021.
Unfortunately, the administration’s failure to effectively implement Clean Slate legislation has left over 100,000 Connecticut residents struggling to secure employment and housing for their families. Clean Slate was set to take effect on January 1, 2023. However, just weeks before the implementation date, concerns arose regarding implementation and legal definitions. A subsequent “technical fix” bill was passed and signed in June 2023 to facilitate full implementation by January 1, 2024.
On December 18th, Governor Lamont announced that 80,000 individuals would have their records expunged by January 31st, with more to follow by March 31st. However, as of late March, the administration revealed that only 13,600 individuals have had their records cleared, leaving tens of thousands in limbo. Despite promises from Governor Lamont, over 88.5% of those eligible for Clean Slate expungement—more than 104,000 individuals—are still awaiting action. Despite our efforts, the Governor has yet to respond meaningfully to our concerns, even after our letter and press conference on March 27th.
Please take 5 minutes to call Governor Lamont’s Office on Thursday, April 11th, between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm, at 860-566-4840. Feel free to use this suggested script:
“My name is _________. I am a resident of __________, and I vote. I am calling to ask: When will Gov. Lamont get Clean Slate fully implemented (as he has promised publicly repeatedly. More than 100,000 people are waiting! Gov. Lamont needs to meet with GHIAA leaders right away to address this important issue! Thank you.”
If you cannot get through or wish to supplement your call with an email, please send a brief message to Lamont at [email protected].
Your voice matters in holding our leaders accountable. Let’s ensure that Governor Lamont hears our collective demand for action on Clean Slate implementation.