Attorney General Dave Sunday is leading a coalition of 36 state and territorial attorneys general urging Congress to pass H.R. 1633, the Workforce Reentry Act, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-Lancaster).
The legislation is intended to support individuals released from prison by providing resources and workforce development programs aimed at successful reintegration into society. Supporters say the bill would increase public safety by reducing recidivism, lower taxpayer costs associated with incarceration, and help formerly incarcerated individuals obtain employment.
H.R. 1633 would make certain federal grant funding for reentry programs permanent and add requirements to ensure the effective use of those funds. Current funding for reentry services is often temporary or unavailable, creating instability for programs focused on post-incarceration employment and skill development.
According to federal data cited in the letter, approximately 68 percent of individuals released from prison are rearrested within three years, and 83 percent within nine years. Recidivism contributes to additional costs related to law enforcement, court proceedings, and incarceration.
The coalition states that research shows recidivism is closely linked to a lack of employment opportunities and job skills following release. Communities that have invested in reentry programs have reported reductions in recidivism rates and prison populations.
Attorney General Sunday said successful reentry benefits families, communities, and public safety, and emphasized the role of employment in long-term reintegration efforts.
The bipartisan letter to Congress was drafted by Sunday along with New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, District of Columbia Attorney General David Schwalb, and Utah Attorney General Derek Brown.
In addition to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Utah, and the District of Columbia, attorneys general from American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, the Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming signed the letter urging passage of the bill.
