ECONOMIC LIBERTY

Thanks to a one-two punch this summer, some of the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians can now exercise their right to earn an honest living. Two years ago, IJ launched our first “fresh start” case—a challenge to a law that unfairly bars people from working because of their criminal histories. We represented two Philadelphia-area women, Courtney Haveman and Amanda Spillane. Although both had criminal records resulting from problems with substance abuse years earlier, both had also put their pasts behind them. Courtney and Amanda were sober, steadfast, and ready to start their careers. Courtney wanted to help support her son, and Amanda wanted more than a fast-food job paying so little that she had to rely on food stamps.