Workforce Reentry Act

Summary#

This bill adds a new section to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to create an Ex-Offenders Reentry Program Start-Up Grants program. The program supports projects that help people who have been convicted and released from jail or prison (generally within the last 2 years) get job training, mentoring, and job placement. The Department of Labor Secretary must use at least 30% of the program funds for pay-for-performance contracts and may use the remaining funds for competitive grants. The bill defines who can apply, what services are allowed, limits on certain expenses, reporting and evaluation requirements, and requires coordination with local workforce programs. The bill does not authorize new appropriations.

What it means for you#

  • People recently released from prison (usually within 2 years) can be eligible to join programs funded by these grants.
  • Local nonprofits, employers, schools, industry partnerships, local boards, and governments can apply for grants or contracts to run reentry programs.
  • Services can include job skills training, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, mentoring, outreach to correctional facilities, and job placement support. Programs may also serve people within 90 days of release.
  • Programs must coordinate with local one-stop workforce centers and report performance results, including recidivism.

Expenses#

  • The bill does not specify dollar amounts or new appropriations. No publicly available information on total funding levels.
  • Grant recipients must provide non-Federal matching funds: at least 25% for the first award and at least 50% for subsequent awards.
  • Grantees may not spend more than 5% of grant funds on administrative costs, more than 15% on participant stipends, or more than 5% on emergency assistance.
  • The Secretary may use up to 2% of program funds for administrative activities and technical assistance.

Proponents' View#

The bill states its purpose is to prompt innovation and improvement in reentry into the workforce and to share best practices for preparing ex-offenders for sustained work participation.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.