SE Kansas City News

(Washington, D.C.) – On April 18, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) introduced the Ensuring Work Opportunities in Correctional Facilities Act to support occupational training programs and educational opportunities in U.S. correctional facilities in an effort to reduce recidivism and help incarcerated citizens better prepare to successfully re-enter society. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) earlier this year.

“An essential component to reducing recidivism is expanding opportunity for job training and education programs in correctional facilities across the country, ensuring incarcerated individuals can develop skills and experience that will help them find gainful employment and succeed when they return to their communities,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Simply focusing on punishment, rather than rehabilitation, will only further the failed policies that have led to mass incarceration in America. By building on the First Step Act, and strengthening occupational education programs nationwide, we can chart a different course that leads to safer communities and better outcomes for all—and that’s why I’m joining Senator Booker in introducing the Ensuring Work Opportunities in Correctional Facilities Act.”

“U.S. correctional facilities must prioritize the goal of rehabilitation and help incarcerated individuals develop skills and experience that will help them successfully reintegrate into their communities,” said Senator Booker. “The Ensuring Work Opportunities in Correctional Facilities Act will expand job and educational trainings for these individuals and will help build safer, more productive communities for all. I am grateful to Representative Cleaver for introducing this important legislation in the House.”

In 2018, Congress passed the First Step Act, which authorized $75,000,000 annually for the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to invest in recidivism reduction efforts, including vocational training programs. Additionally, the First Step Act authorized federal grant funding to states and municipalities to improve academic and vocational education programs and occupational training in correctional facilities nationwide. However, this funding is set to end after 2023.

In addition to occupational education and training programs, there are nearly 50 programs throughout the country authorized by the Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program (PIECP), which allows incarcerated workers to work for private companies that are required to pay prevailing wages. While these jobs are highly coveted by incarcerated workers, there is a statutory limit that caps the number of programs at 50.

To strengthen occupational education and training programs already in place, and to support the creation of additional programs, the Ensuring Work Opportunities in Correction Facilities Act would:

Increase annual funding for state and local grant programs authorized by the First Step Act and extend grant funding from Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 through 2029 to strengthen academic programs, career training for re-entry, and vocational programs;

Authorize additional funding for the BOP Occupational Education Programs (OEP), which focus on job training for incarcerated individuals, providing an additional $210,000,000 in total for FY 2024 through 2029 for occupational training and education programs within BOP;

Double the number of programs authorized through the PIECP from 50 to 100, allowing for more incarcerated workers to gain professional, private-sector job experience while also receiving prevailing wages for their work; and

Double the annual funding for re-entry demonstration grants to state, local, and tribal adult and juvenile offender reentry projects, from $35,000,000 to $70,000,000.

The Ensuring Work Opportunities in Correctional Facilities Act is endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union, Brennan Center for Justice, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, National Employment Law Project, and Safer Foundation.

Official text of the Ensuring Work Opportunities in Correctional Facilities Act is available here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

Original source can be found here.