MARQUETTE, MI— An Upper Peninsula program that helps people expunge their criminal records shared success stories with Attorney General Dana Nessel in Marquette Friday.
The Michigan Works Clean Slate UP program covers attorney fees and other costs for those who want their records cleared of certain offenses. Officials hope that leads to better careers, housing, and education.
A man whose record was recently expunged told Nessel his felony was the biggest barrier to getting a good job.
“I’m a career tradesman, so I work with my hands. But the best way I can put it to someone is like having dirty hands and not being able to get them clean.”
Nessel says getting rid of criminal convictions leads to much better earning potential.
“I think the stats are… within one year of a person getting their record expunged, their income increases nearly 25 percent.”
Clean Slate is available in all 15 U.P. counties.
Contact your local Michigan Works office for more information.
