BOSTON BAR PRAISES GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER RE CORI

BOSTON – Boston Bar Association President Tony Doniger today issued the following statement in support of Governor Deval Patrick’s Executive Order No. 495 and his CORI reform legislation:

"The Boston Bar Association applauds Governor Patrick for his leadership in taking specific measures to implement reforms of the CORI system and to facilitate the safe and successful reintegration of prior offenders into our communities.  Consistent with our own statement of principles on CORI reform issued last September, Executive Order No. 495 sets forth steps to address the problem of inaccuracies in CORI reports, prohibits state agencies from disqualifying employment candidates merely on the existence of a CORI record, and provides for the sealing of CORI records after a reasonable period of time.  The Governor’s Act to Reduce Recidivism by Increasing Employment Opportunities would create economic opportunity and at the same time enhance public safety. Governor Patrick’s Executive Order and legislation are significant steps forward in enhancing public safety and promoting the fiscal health of the Commonwealth.  What the Governor has done is creative, thoughtful, and very important, and these measures deserve our whole-hearted support."