In 2012, legislation was passed to ease restrictions on earning state licenses in skilled trades. And in the Ohio House Criminal Justice Committee, a bill exists that would expand access to publicly funded housing for criminal record holders. These recent pushes by Ohio to ease post-prison life are inspiring the rest of the country to do the same.
President Biden designated April as “Second Chance Month” in an effort to support programs that help formerly incarcerated people re-enter society.
Incarceration can lead to harmful impact on one’s life, including damaging wealth earning potential. 1 in 5 Americans have a criminal record and because of their records, they earn half as much in their lifetime as those who don’t have one.
Employment can help formerly incarcerated people stay out of prison and overcome economic challenges that stem from their past in the criminal justice system. New bills and policies like these could help change that.