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.”