Hill Reintroduces Shift Back to Society ActFor more information, contact: Mike Siegel, (202) 225-2506
Washington, DC,
February 2, 2017
Today, Congressman French Hill (AR-02) introduced The Shift Back to Society Act, which would help those who have been incarcerated transition back into society and find meaningful employment. The bill would establish a pilot program to provide grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to implement educational programs for eligible offenders and help them successfully transition back into their communities. The legislation would allocate $5 million per year for the program, would require no additional funding, and would ensure that funds already appropriated for the Department of Justice would be used to support the program. Cosponsors of the bill include Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02), Republican Study Committee Chairman Mark Walker (NC-06), Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04), and Congresswoman Mia Love (UT-04). Following introduction of the bill, Congressman Hill and Chairman Walker released the following statements: “This is an issue that transcends partisan boundaries. The United States currently spends $34,000 per year per inmate - a tab that is picked up by the taxpayer, and a number that is greatly affected by reoffenders. Addressing the problem of recidivism by encouraging hard work and opening up opportunities that can lead to employment benefits all of us. Any American in good standing with the law, regardless of previous offenses, deserves the opportunity to improve their own lives through the dignity of a job, while playing a role in the betterment of our society as a whole.” – Congressman French Hill “Individuals who have committed minor crimes and paid their dues to society too often suffer diminished economic opportunity. Our criminal justice system should serve not only to punish, but to integrate people back into society. HBCUs are well-positioned to serve in this effort, and this legislation will equip them to strengthen our communities and our judicial system.” – Chairman Mark Walker ### Related Huffington Post: Surprise! Republican Leads The Fight Against Mass Imprisonment Of Black Men |
