A proposal in the New York State Legislature would create a $25 million fund to provide financial assistance to people reentering communities after incarceration.
The Reentry Assistance Bill, sponsored by Sen. Jeremy Cooney would provide eligible individuals with at least $2,550 after their release from prison.
Under the proposal, participants would receive monthly payments of $425 for six months to help cover basic needs during the transition back into the community.
Advocates say the funding would help individuals secure food, housing, identification and transportation while they search for employment and reconnect with family.
Supporters of the bill include the Coalition for Reentry Cash, a group that includes the Center for Employment Opportunities, The Fortune Society, The Osborne Association, Center for Community Alternatives and the Brennan Center.
Advocates say the legislation was inspired in part by the Returning Citizens Stimulus program, which distributed more than $4.34 million in payments to more than 1,700 formerly incarcerated New Yorkers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supporters argue that providing financial assistance during reentry can reduce barriers to employment and housing and may help lower recidivism rates.
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