You asked the question what would it mean to be given a second chance at life? That would mean the world to me knowing that I won't die in prison, but to give back to my community the best of myself a reformed individual that all he wants now is stability that would mean everything. As much as I love my family I would never want to put them through this ever again in life, but I also know that I'm very ashamed and embarrassed and take full responsibility for taking the life of Mr Hudson and the pain and suffering I caused his family friends and his community as a whole along with my codefendant's and their families as well. So to be given a second chance would be a Blessing and a Blessing I welcome. Thank You again for everything and whatever you need me to do please feel free to get in touch with me. May God Bless you and your wonderful organization & Family. Yours truly Keeley Diego Mitchell.

Lamont Dawson # 240001

Keeley Diego Mitchell # 213720 Second Look Bill

Jason Armour # 228160

Anthony Clay # 258670

Richard Kilbourn # 190446

Robert Heard Jr # 112084

Richard Strong # 253763

Raymond Carr # 232256

Jamie Meade #232516

Carlo Vartinelli # 226798

David Ellis # 218987

Katherine Wright (Woods) #426554

" I'm here today to talk about an important issue that could potentially effect thousands of incarcerated individuals across the state of Michigan. A state with an unfair judicial system. A judicial system that is dilapitated. A judicial system that turns a deaf hear to our cries, a system that convicts us before we are tried. The issue I am speaking on is the Second Look Legislation, a proposal that would provide incarcerated individuals sentence to LIFE or long indeterminate sentences the opportunity to go before their sentencing judge for possible resentencing based solely on their behavior and accomplishments while incarcerated.

The Second Look Legislation is an opportunity for rehabilitation and a second chance. It acknowledges the fact that people can change and that they should not be defined solely by their past mistakes. We all make mistakes, but it is important that we learn from them and use them as an opportunity to grow and better ourselves. Our transformation includes us striving to make amends and work to repair the harm and devastation that we have caused our families due to unwise and harmful ways of thinking and living. We have gone through our process of pruning, molding, refining, and polishing to make these life changes feasible.

Those who are given a second chance have the ability to become productive members of society. We can use our experiences to help others avoid making the same mistakes and become role models for those who need guidance. The Second Look Legislation is not just about giving people a second chance, but also about creating a safer and more compassionate society.

The proposed legislation would also take into account those of us who have shown remorse and taken responsibility for our actions. It is important that those of us who have worked to make amends for our mistakes and who have demonstrated a commitment to better ourselves as well as our communities are acknowledged.

I offer my earnest plea for this monumental proposal be supported. It is time for us to come together and support this important proposal. Let us work towards a society that values and acknowledges rehabilitation and second chances, and also recognizes the potential for growth and change in all individuals. Together we can make a difference and create a better future for all.

Thank you."

 My name is Philip Yokley. I am 41 years old and I've been incarcerated for 14 years. I was sentenced to Natural Life in prison for a tragic murder I neither commited or knew was going to happen back in 2009.  Due to the ambiguity and ease of which an overzealous prosecutor can pin a felony murder charge on a young man/woman who's ignorant of the law and has no idea what holf the jargon being spoke by the judge and prosecutor even means: I received a Natural Life sentence. When I was found guilty I had no idea the severity of the sentence because I was being represented by an overworked Wayne Co. public defender who took my case at the last minute due to my original counsel leaving me stranded in the courtroom. Looking back on it all now, I never stood a chance. 

     I will admit to my wrong doings in this incident and my pattern of bad decision making my entire life up to that point. I consistently chose the street life, even though I had opportunities to get out. So ultimately, I put myself in that terrible position and compounded my predicament by choosing to follow the street code and remain loyal to those who didn't care about me or my family at all. However, it seems very excessive to sentence me to a painfully slow death sentence for not being immediately forthcoming when I got questioned. 

    Before the tragedy, I had never been in any serious trouble or convicted of any felony. I was, by all means, an immature kid. The man who lost his life was a friend of mine and I think about him after and still have the same recurring nightmare of watching him fall. While we were all street guys who chose to live a negative lifestyle selling drugs, carrying guns and living fast, nobody deserves to have their light extinguished before their time. His family didn't deserve to lose a son, brother, and uncle to senseless violence. Just like my own family didn't deserve to lose me to prison forever. 

    When someone is sentenced to Natural Life ( a slow death sentence) in the MDOC, they are by all means being tossed in a cell and the proverbial key is thrown away. There are no recommendations for any programming- no classes or counseling or treatment of any kind.  Simply put, we're meant to rot away in purgatory. We are relegated to a bubble of sorts where we sit here and watch our loved ones pass away one by one with no real privacy toproperty grieve the mounting losses. We just...exist. We live a mind numbing existence with no hope, or motivation to do right and better ourselves.  The luckiest of us have a support system who we live for and who motivate us to stay positive and persistent.

     Since coming to prison I've leaned on my family and faith to persevere and become a better man. I've pleaded, begged and even paid to put myself in position to acquire ouver 20 certificates for various programs I've completed. I've become a core member of Chance for Life Organization, which helped me tremendously by gifting me with a plethora of tools and soft skills that changed my life. However, my favorite achievement thus far is acquiring my Associates Degree with a 3.97 GPA. 

     The Family Reunification Bill gives people like myself and my family some hope. It gives us a second chance at life; to be at family functions, or stand strong and lead our loved ones through the tough times. America is a country built on second chances and grandiose stories of great Americans making great comebacks. Some of the most accomplished Americans required a second chance to actually discover their true purpose or talents and utilize them to do good. I feel nobody should spend the rest of their life in prison for one bad decision. People never stop developing and learning. Some of us take longer than others but everyone is capable of a great comeback! 

    Science shows people "age out" of criminal behavior at a certain point. Currently, the Juvenile Lifer Law is setting many people free, and a fraction of a single percent are coming in contact with police after their release. People just need a purpose and some sort of skill set to be a productive member of society. Many people in prison never had any support systems or were  simply working with an empty toolbox like I was. I had no real skill set before coming to prison. 

     The Family Reunification Bill  would allow men/women like myself a chance to be judged on their merit and actions while in prison.  It would not guarantee anything, but instead give a judge the discretion to evaluate your record, both before prison and during to make an educated decision on whether or not some reprieve is warranted. Those who conducted themselves properly while incarcerated could be given a chance to re-enter our communities and become productive members of society. 

     Upon my own release, I would focus on acquiring my Commercial Drivers License and take advantage of the booming trucking industry to be self reliant. I'd do cross-country routes so I could pull double duty as a student and trucker so I could continue pursuing higher education.  I'd ultimately work towards purchasing my own truck and equipment to become a small business owner so I could pursue another goal of traveling around to speak about Criminal Justice Reform and mentor young men/women through organizations such as TaRrp.

    Ultimately, I just want to be a husband and father figure to my amazing wife and step daughter. I want to be present for those who never left me or gave up on me and hopefully manifest some change in my community and save some kids who can look at me in the flesh and hear my story and change their paths in life before they end up in a tragic situation. I just want to be a man and take care of my own and spread some positivity. 

         Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read my story and please vote for the Family Reunification Bill (previously Second Look).

Philip Yokley # 751693

James Grabiec # 235829

Lawrence Lowe-Bey # 137849

Dwight Henley #246521

Trinity Matthisen #409617

Deshawn Smith # 669621

Danny Travis #158592

Scott Pickerd #225789

Kenneth Lee Daniels # 146527

Mario Cavin #326204

Robert Burkowski # 312918

Michael Shavkey #239797

Hope Zentz #290536

Susan Bardo #882489

Shirikiana Draper 245421

Hello Everyone,

My name is Shirikiana and I'd like to talk with you today about the Second Look legislation that was introduced on April 19,2023. It has taken me quite sometime to allow Holy Spirit to organize my thoughts and feelings in a way that felt cohesive to me.

At the age of 19, I was arrested and jailed in Oakland County for a felony murder conviction. Today I understand that this moment was the culmination of my imprisonment. You see I was already mentally, emotionally, and spiritually being held captive to past hurts, harms, and hangups. I felt worthless and being sentenced to spend the "rest of your Natural Life within the Michigan Department of Corrections" seemed a natural evolution of an already miserable existence. The sticking point was the immediate trauma this caused my loved ones, most especially my then 4 month old son.

As a woman serving life, I am entitled to a farce of a review by the parole board. This process encompasses a 2 page synopsis of any accomplishments I've obtained since the last time those 2 pieces of paper spoke for me. What those 2 sheets of paper don't say about me is that I now understand I am God's Beloved and HE is mine. They don't adequately express how being in relationship with God has made me a new creation just as the Scriptures say. They don't discuss the trauma I've inflicted on myself as a result of the heinous crime perpetuated on society. Those 2 pieces of paper have apparently not been enough to interest the members of the parole board in having a face-to-face dialogue with me in over 20 years despite an exceptionally clean prison record.

The Second Look legislation will afford me the opportunity to present a clear perception of the woman I've worked hard to become. I'll be able to present the change of thought processes, decision making skills, critical thinking, emotionally healing, and spiritually development obtained (and implemented within my daily walk) through the many groups I've previously only been able to present a certificate for completion.

The Second Look legislation will allow me to prayerfully keep the promise I made to my infant son (on the day of my arrest) to be back. It'll prayerfully allow me to rejoin and reconnect with my family. It'll afford me the ability to give back to the community I've previously only taken from.

If granted - Second Look will become the culmination to freedom. Through Bible Study, prayer, family, friends, groups, and an amazing job as a Braille transcriber I've been healed and delivered from the past hurts, harms, and hangups that used to drive my decision making. As a result, I am mentally, emotionally, and spiritually free. Obtaining my physical freedom would be the proverbial icing on the cake.

In conclusion, I encourage those listening to support these efforts to add human decency to Michigan's judicial system. So many women are languishing within these walls being supported by your tax dollars when they could be positive, responsible, contributors to their perspective communities.

Thank you for your time and support.