Explanation
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this ordinance is to authorize the appropriation of $20,000.00 within the Job Growth subfund to the Franklin County Municipal Court in support of the Self Help Center’s record sealing assistance programming.
The Self Help Center is a free walk-in service available to the public with no appointment necessary. The Center provides free support to help individuals determine whether they are eligible for record sealing assistance through Opportunity Port.
This legislation authorizes the appropriation of $20,000.00 within the Job Growth subfund.
FISCAL IMPACT: Total appropriation of $20,000.00 is available in the 2024 budget within the Job Growth Initiative subfund, Fund 1000, subfund 100015.
Title
To authorize the appropriation of $20,000.00 within the Job Growth subfund to the Franklin County Municipal Court in support of the record sealing assistance at the Self Help Center. ($20,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the existence of criminal records hinders the equitable growth and success of Columbus as a whole; and
WHEREAS, one in three American adults has a criminal record that will appear on a routine background check, the effect of which disproportionately impacts people of color and lower-income individuals; and
WHEREAS, according to a University of Michigan study, record sealing has been shown to increase an individual’s earnings by 25% along with other positive impacts; and
WHEREAS, the Franklin County Municipal Court Self Help Resource Center helps to expand access to record sealing through the use of Opportunity Port to connect with more prospective applicants; and
WHEREAS, funding exists within the Job Growth subfund for this purpose; and
WHEREAS, this Council wishes to support these re-entry efforts and record sealing assistance; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized and directed to appropriate $20,000.00 in the Job Growth subf...
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