# The Workforce Reentry Act: Helping People with Criminal Records Get Back to Work

This bill creates a new federal program designed to help people who have been incarcerated get jobs and rebuild their lives after release from prison or jail. The government would provide grants and contracts to organizations that work with formerly incarcerated individuals, helping them develop job skills, find employment, and stay out of the criminal justice system.

The program targets people who were convicted and imprisoned and have been out of prison for no more than two years. Organizations that can receive funding include nonprofits, local governments, employers, colleges, and workforce development agencies. These groups would use the money to offer job training, apprenticeships, mentoring, help with basic education, and job placement services. They can also reach out to people still in prison to help them prepare for release. At least 30 percent of the funding would go toward "pay-for-performance" contracts, meaning organizations only get paid when they actually achieve specific employment and success goals for the people they serve.

To receive grants, organizations must contribute their own money to match the federal funding—at least 25 percent for their first grant and 50 percent for any additional grants. The grants can't be used to directly provide housing, mental health treatment, or substance abuse treatment, though organizations can coordinate with other programs to connect people to these services. There are also limits on how much money can go toward administrative costs (5 percent), paying participants while they train (15 percent), and emergency assistance (5 percent).

The bill requires organizations to track and report how well their programs work, measuring things like whether participants find jobs, earn credentials, and avoid returning to prison. The government will conduct an independent evaluation within five years and share findings about what works best so other communities can replicate successful approaches.