Workforce Reentry Act

The Workforce Reentry Act would amend federal workforce law to create a permanent grant program supporting the reentry of formerly incarcerated individuals into employment. Currently, funding for such programs is temporary and subject to year-to-year budget decisions. If enacted, this bill would make that funding permanent, providing stability for organizations offering job training, skills development, mentoring, and related support services to people released from prison. The bill would require grant recipients to use evidence-based practices and track measurable outcomes to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars. Eligible organizations include nonprofits, educational institutions, and local governments. The bill would also promote sharing of best practices across reentry programs nationwide. Supporters, including a bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general, argue that successful reentry programs reduce recidivism rates, lower incarceration costs, and improve public safety by helping formerly incarcerated individuals achieve stable employment and avoid reoffending.