Should the DOJ provide grants to nonprofits servicing previously incarcerated individuals that return to their community to reduce recidivism?
The bill authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide grants to community-based non-profits focusing on reentry programs and state, local, and tribal-run reentry 24/7 hotlines. It appropriates $10,000,000 for reentry programs and $1,500,000 for hotlines each fiscal year between 2022 and 2026. Grants would be awarded to non-profits in areas with high populations of incarcerated individuals and previously incarcerated individuals who return to their community. The non-profit programs would provide holistic services (such as employment assistance and placement, medical and mental health services, and legal assistance) that improve the outcomes of previously incarcerated individuals and their families.
Sponsor: Rep. Karen Bass (D, CA-37)
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Opponents say
• At the time of research and publication, no official opponent statements were found. This does not necessarily mean that nobody opposes the bill, nor does it mean that statements won’t be made in the future.
Proponents say
• "The expectation that individuals are successful and won’t reoffend after being given $10 and a bus ticket is absolutely ridiculous... Our society presents countless obstacles for individuals who have already paid their debts to society: it’s harder for them to find jobs, it’s harder for them to find housing, and it’s harder for them to be able to pay for a quality education. These obstacles without adequate resources make it more likely for people to reoffend. As the majority of people in custody will be released at some point, it is essential that we provide resources for recidivism prevention. The bill we have introduced today fights back against that statistic and helps people get back on their feet and reintegrated into society in a productive way and the hope is that these centers are one day going to be run by returning citizens themselves." Source: Representative Karen Bass (Democrat, California-37)
• "This bipartisan legislation will reduce crime by reducing recidivism and I look forward to a vote on the House floor... As a district judge, I saw firsthand the revolving door to prison and the struggles faced by those attempting to rebuild their lives after incarceration. By providing these men and women with access to housing, education, and employment assistance, we can empower their future." Source: Representative Guy Reschenthaler (Republican, Pennsylvania-14)
• "If we can do more to help individuals tackle the difficult task of reintegrating into society after leaving prison, we must. I’m proud to support the One Stop Shop Community Reentry Program Act, which provides meaningful support to reentering individuals." Source: Representative Jerry Nadler (Democrat, New York-10)
