AUGUST ACTION ALERT ⚾The bases are loaded

Hello Clean Slate Advocate,

Yes, we are very close to getting a Clean Slate law in Massachusetts! AND, we still need your help this month to get it over the finish line.

Here's the latest news:

Last month the MA Senate adopted Sen. Friedman's amendment to add Clean Slate language to an economic development bill (S.3178). YOUR advocacy helped get us to this wonderfully critical point—thank you!

However, the House's version of this bill (H.5576) does not include Clean Slate language.

Therefore, a "Conference Committee" of six legislators must negotiate to create one final economic development bill to send Governor Healey.

Naturally, we want that bill to include the Clean Slate language, so we sent this letter to the Conference Committee from 100+ organizations and businesses.

And we NEED YOUR HELP again—ideally before Aug 31.

Below are instructions for you to CALL your State Representative and Senator to ask them to reach out to the Economic Development Conference Committee because those six will decide the fate of Clean Slate.

It only takes a few minutes, so please make the two calls now!

In solidarity,

T he Clean Slate MA Steering Committee | CleanSlateMA.org

- Action Alert -

Step 1. Do this on your own time, from your personal phone, unless you are representing your employer, with their approval. This action is lobbying; it will likely take less than five minutes.

Step 2. Find the phone numbers for your State Representative* and State Senator.* (Not sure which is yours? Check here.)

Step 3. Make the calls; if you get voice mail, leave a message like this:

Hello, my name is _____. I live in town/city, and I’m a constituent of Rep/Senator _____. I’m calling to ask that they contact the Economic Development Conference Committee and urge them to include the Clean Slate automated record sealing language (Amendment S3178-511-R1) in their final report. I’d really appreciate it if you could let me know—or if they have any questions. My phone number is _____ and my email is _____. Thank you for your help.

If you reach a person, here’s a template to use:

Hello, I’m calling to speak with Rep/Senator _____ or someone from their staff about Amendment S3178-511-R1 to the Economic Development bill that includes language to automate the outdated and inefficient criminal record sealing process. Is someone available to speak with me?

You may get transferred or the person who answers may be the one to talk with. It’s unlikely you will speak with the Rep/Senator.

Great, thank you. My name is _____, I live in town/city, and I’m a constituent of Rep/Senator _____. I’m calling because Massachusetts needs a Clean Slate law to help with economic and workforce development. Amendment S3178-511-R1 is in the Economic Development bill. This amendment would automate the CORI-sealing process for people who have stayed crime-free and are eligible for sealing after applicable waiting periods.

Can I count on the Rep/Senator to support and advocate for the adoption of the language of Amendment S3178-511-R1 into the Conference Committee’s final report? Can you let me know what you find out? My phone # is _____. Can I get your name? Thank you for your help! Goodbye.

*If you’re a constituent of any of the six Conference Committee members, please contact them directly and alter your message accordingly.