Arizona Pushes Career Paths for Former Inmates as State Funds $3 Million Reentry Effort
Updated
Updated · Arizona Capitol Times · Aug 6
Arizona Pushes Career Paths for Former Inmates as State Funds $3 Million Reentry Effort
1 articles · Updated · Arizona Capitol Times · Aug 6
Summary
Arizona officials, advocates and lawmakers say people leaving prison need career paths—not just jobs—to build stable lives after incarceration.
With Arizona incarcerating 710 people per 100,000 residents, agencies are expanding apprenticeships, industry credentials and document support so former inmates can clear hiring hurdles such as I-9 paperwork and licensing barriers.
The state has already adopted second-chance measures, including a Ducey order delaying criminal-history checks, a 2021 Certificate of Second Chance law and 2018 liability protections for employers who hire formerly incarcerated workers.
DES received $3 million in this year’s budget to continue reentry employment work, while Arizona is also participating in the national Reentry 2030 initiative.
Lawmakers from both parties say bigger changes are still needed, including $1.5 million for an independent prison oversight office, broader expungement and sentencing reforms in a system that costs more than $1.5 billion a year.