In the News

U.S. Rep. French Hill last week reintroduced legislation that would help historically black colleges and universities to assist inmates as they near the end of their terms.

The Shift Back to Society Act calls for $5 million per year to be used on a pilot program. The money would come from existing Department of Justice appropriations.

Hill originally introduced the bill in July and is promising to push for it during the 115th session of Congress.

In a news release, the Republican from Little Rock said the legislation addresses an issue that "transcends partisan boundaries."

"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," he added.

The $5 million would be used "to implement educational programs for eligible offenders and help them successfully transition back into their communities," Hill said in the release.

U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, a Republican from Hot Springs, is one of the co-sponsors.

Three historically black schools -- Arkansas Baptist College, Philander Smith College and Shorter College -- are in Hill's district. Westerman's district includes another such institution, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.