Research

Clean slate is a win for Pennsylvanians with records and their families; for businesses and taxpayers; and for the safety of communities across the commonwealth. Automatic record-clearing helps everyday Pennsylvanians get back to work and build a better life for their families, keeping people in the workforce and out of jail. That means lower unemployment and recidivism rates, fewer taxpayer dollars spent on correctional costs, and better outcomes for all Pennsylvanians.

Following decades of overcriminalization, between 70 million and 100 million Americans now have some type of criminal record. Any —no matter how old or minor—can be a lifelong barrier to employment and economic mobility. This report provides a blueprint for policymakers and advocates to ensure that a criminal record is not a life sentence to poverty.

More than 9 in 10 employers report using criminal background checks in their hiring decisions—presenting major barriers to opportunity for job seekers with records. For millions of Americans, the use of criminal background checks has become an immovable obstacle to employment. Not only does this practice prevent people from getting jobs, but it can also negatively affect employers.