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<\/figure>\nLINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) \u2013 Former convicts, activists and members of the group RISE, which aims to break generational cycles of incarceration, were at the Capitol on Tuesday to lobby lawmakers to pass criminal justice reform bills.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople are willing and able to get out and do what they need to do, to strive and do better,\u201d said Jasmine Harris, the director of public policy and advocacy for RISE.\u00a0 \u201cWe just need to create an environment that is also conducive to help them succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n
It was RISE\u2019s third annual Day of Empathy, but this was the first time the group was actually able to meet with senators in person.<\/p>\n
The senators were able to speak with people directly affected by the criminal justice system and listen to their stories.<\/p>\n
The former convicts also spoke about how current bills would impact them.<\/p>\n
The bills they are looking to get passed are LB 920<\/a>, LB 121<\/a> and LB 917<\/a>.<\/p>\n LB 917, which would provide an income tax credit to businesses that hire previously convicted felons, has been advanced to the final reading.\t<\/p>\n