JOAN VENNOCHI reminds us that not only do ex-offenders deserve a second chance, but as with Michael Vick, they may surprise us with their success (“A felon’s forward pass,’’ Opinion, Dec. 26). But that second chance needs to start long before the job application.
Massachusetts’ ill-conceived sentencing laws actually prohibit drug offenders who are serving mandatory minimum sentences from learning, while in prison, the skills needed to earn an honest living upon release. Too often they are forced to remain idle, with little chance to put their time behind bars to good use. Meanwhile, taxpayers foot the bill for such an ineffective policy.
Fortunately, that is beginning to change. During the last legislative session, a new law was passed that allows certain nonviolent drug offenders in county prisons to be eligible for parole, as are most other county prisoners. The next session gives legislators the opportunity to further craft wise sentencing policies by expanding parole eligibility to nonviolent drug offenders in state prisons.
Lawmakers should also address the need to make prisoners serving mandatory drug sentences eligible for work release programs and earned “good conduct’’ credits. There is no sound policy reason for excluding them from programs that have been proven to reduce recidivism, thereby protecting public safety and easing the taxpayers’ burden.
Barbara J. Dougan
Massachusetts project director, Families Against Mandatory Minimums
Newton 
