Legislation recently introduced by U.S. Rep. French Hill (R-AR) would help people who have been incarcerated find meaningful employment and transition back into society.
The Shift Back to Society Act, H.R. 5644, would create a pilot program that issues grants to historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) to establish programs that help eligible offenders transition back into their communities.
“The United States currently spends $34,000 per year per inmate, a tab that is picked up by the taxpayer, and a number that is greatly affected by reoffender,” Hill said. “This legislation would help create a transition phase for inmates to gain academic and spiritual development and would encourage them to continue in their education at an HBCU after their release.”
Under the bill, $5 million would be allocated to the program using funds that were previously allocated to the Department of Justice.
“Most importantly, it would address the problem of recidivism by encouraging hard work and opening up opportunities that can lead to employment,” Hill said. “Any American in good standing with the law, regardless of previous offenses, deserves the opportunity to improve their own lives through the dignity of a job, while playing a role in the betterment of our society as a whole.”