January 23, 2010 -   President Obama spoke at Lorain County Community College in Elyria, Ohio where he addressed issues like jobs creation, and the economy.

For the first time since his election, the president addressed the issue of jobs for ex-offenders.  He spoke with 29 year-old, 'Jerome', an ex-offender, who said he has never had a job due to his ex-offender status.

Their conversation follows.

Jerome: I'm 29 years old, and I've never had a job in my life. I went to jail when I was younger.  It's like hard to get a job as a felon.  Is this -- any programs that hire people with felonies like something that -- because it's sad, it's like -- 29 years old, I'm 29. 

THE PRESIDENT:  Alright.  Jerome --

Jerome: And also I wanted to -- I'm a poet and I wrote a poem for you and I've been dying to put this poem in your hand.

THE PRESIDENT:  Okay.  Give me the poem.   First of all, it's never too late.  It's never too late.  One of these gentlemen here will hand this poem to me.  There you go.  I won't read it from the stage but -- because it's --

Jerome:  I'd appreciate it, later when you get back to the White House.

THE PRESIDENT:  But I will definitely think about it.  Look, I'm proud of the fact that you're bringing this up because there are people who've made mistakes, particularly when they're young, and it is in all of our interests to help them redeem themselves and then get on a straight path.  Now, I don't blame employers obviously for being nervous about hiring somebody who has a record.  It's natural if they've got a lot of applicants for every single job that that's a question that they'd have in their minds.  On the other hand, I think one of the great things about America is we give people second chances.

And so what we've tried to do -- and I want to say, this has been a bipartisan effort -- when I was in the Senate, working with Sam Brownback; my Vice President, Joe Biden -- passing a Second Chance Act that helps to fund programs that help the reintegration of ex-felons.  

It's smart for us to do.  You know, sometimes people say, well, that's just coddling people.  No; you reduce the recidivism rate, they pay taxes, it ends up being smart for taxpayers to do.

I don't know, Jerome, what particular programs may exist in this county, but I promise you I'll find out.  And we'll see if we can get you hooked up with one of them.  Alright?