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Should First-Time Felons Get a Second Chance?

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Amber Miller admits she was no angel. She hung out with the wrong crowd. She used drugs.

When she was 20, she went to prison for stealing $30 from her grandmother.

But 12 years later, she is still labeled as a felon. And that’s hurt her ability to find work.

A bi-partisan group of state lawmakers is sponsoring a “second chance” bill. It would allow first-time, non-violent felons to ask a judge to expunge their record a certain time after release.

Opponents say the current law serves as a deterrent, and potential employers have a right to know.

Amber has been able to find work, with help from her mother. But she’s fighting for other felons who she believes should get a second chance.

Also, we discuss whether passage of right to work and repealing the prevailing wage are good economics, political payback, or both.

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The Front Porch is underwritten by The Charleston Gazette Mail, providing both sides of the story on its two editorial pages. Check it out: http://www.wvgazettemail.com/