Former senator and felon: ‘Everywhere you go, the door is closed.’

Former state Sen. Ernie Newton was at the state Capitol complex to let people know just how difficult it is for convicted criminals to live a normal life after leaving jail — a problem he knows about first hand.

Ernie Newton testifies

Newton served a four-year prison sentence after being convicted of corruption.

His bid to be re-elected to the Senate this year was unsuccessful.

Newton was at the Capitol complex to testify on a proposal being considered by the Connecticut Sentencing Committee that attempts to remove the housing and employment barriers that those released from prison face because of their criminal backgrounds.

“When a person comes out of prison and he wants to re-engage him or herself in society, they are met with resistance,” he said. “Being an ex-felon is almost discriminatory. Everywhere you go, the door is closed on you.”