By expanding and strengthening workforce reentry programs that help formerly incarcerated individuals successfully reintegrate into society, Pennsylvania could help address labor shortages while providing stability and dignity for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives, said state leaders earlier this week.
“When we connect individuals returning to society with meaningful work, to skills development, and to mentorship — we don’t just help them, we make our communities safer and our economy stronger,” said U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-11) during an Aug. 27 press conference at the York County Reentry Opportunity Center, also known as The ROC.
During the event, Smucker and Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday spotlighted the congressman’s Workforce Reentry Act, H.R. 1633, which he sponsored in February on Capitol Hill.
If enacted, the measure aims to bolster the U.S. Department of Labor’s Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) program and improve oversight, accountability, and long-term sustainability of initiatives that have been proven to reduce recidivism through job training and employment opportunities, Smucker said.
“I’ve seen firsthand how connecting individuals to work can change lives,” he added. “Prior to serving in Congress, I owned and operated a construction firm, which participated in work release programs that were successful in helping those individuals find full-time employment. The Workforce Reentry Act is about second chances.”
The proposed bill is also about making sure that when someone has served their time, they can return as a contributing member of society, said the lawmaker.
“It’s about strengthening families, reducing crime by making a meaningful reduction in recidivism, and meeting the workforce needs of employers who are desperate for reliable, motivated workers,” he added. “It is about fairness — because every person deserves the dignity of work and the opportunity to succeed.”
Each year, roughly 600,000 individuals are released from prison nationwide. Federal statistics show 66 percent are arrested again within three years, and 82 percent within 10 years.
However, studies demonstrate that maintaining steady employment after release drastically reduces the risk of reoffending.
Smucker said that the proposed legislation would hold programs accountable for employment, earnings, and credential attainment outcomes under the Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA); require independent evaluations and dissemination of best practices to expand evidence-based reentry approaches; and ensure long-term sustainability by mandating a 25-percent funding match and plans for continuation beyond federal support.
Attorney General Sunday underscored the connection between employment and public safety, saying employment has proven to be a powerful tool for successful reentry because a job offers not only a source of income, but a sense of pride and identity.
“I commend our legislative and community leaders, and the employers, who embrace initiatives aimed at providing opportunities to those who deserve them,” said Sunday.
The press conference also featured York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler, Lancaster County Workforce Development Board Executive Director Anna Ramos, and York County District Attorney Timothy Barker.
They highlighted The ROC’s role in York County as a model of community-driven success, helping returning citizens find jobs and reducing repeat offenses.