Sen. Portman to visit Turning Point Feb. 17

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman will visit Turning Point Applied Learning Center in Hillsboro at approximately 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17.

Sen. Portman will be discussing his Second Chance Act.

The bipartisan Second Chance Act, passed into law in 2008, focuses on "reduced prison costs and improved public safety by giving federal, state, and local governments tools to help inmates
successfully re-integrate into their communities upon release and avoid re-offending. The bipartisan Second Chance Reauthorization Act improves existing programs that have demonstrated success and consolidates some programs that were duplicative or less
successful."

According to Sen. Portman, the legislation provides ex-offenders an opportunity to turn their lives around through recovery programs and job training.

"We look forward to Senator Portman’s visit to our facility," said LuAnn Winkle, executive director of Turning Point Applied Learning Center.

The Feb. 17 event will begin at 2:30 p.m. with a welcoming and introductions by Winkle and Turning Point Board members.

After a tour of the facility, success stories and testimonials from Second Chance Act Program participants, and program highlights by Rhonda Fannin, Sen. Portman is expected to speak at 3:30 p.m.

The senator serves on the Finance Committee, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and the Committee on the Budget. He is also chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.

Turning Point Applied Learning Center, located on Homestead Avenue in Hillsboro, has been providing employment training and supportive services to residents of the Highland County region for 18 years.