Advocates pushing for passage of Clean Slate Act

ROCHESTER, N.Y. Local advocates, elected officials, and business leaders are hoping people can get a clean slate.

They want Gov. Kathy Hochul to pass the Clean Slate Act early in next year’s legislative session. They say it would help millions of people obtain jobs by sealing old conviction records.

“So our hope is to not allow these felonies to hurt anybody and prevent them from getting the basic necessities that every human deserves, which is housing, education and a great job,” said Thomas Gantt of the Center for Community Alternatives.

Supporters say this would boost economic growth and generate an annual earnings boost of more than $7 billion.