The Commonwealth of Massachusetts plans to spend $2.59 million preparing released convicts for good-paying jobs in the trucking and warehousing trades, among others.
Rather than take out a loan and repay it after completing truck driver training school, felons get a free commercial driver’s license on the taxpayer’s dime. As part of the Re-Entry Workforce Development Demonstration Grants Program initiative, Gov. Maura Healey indicated the funds would be administered by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development’s Commonwealth Corp (CommCorp). All told, the money would pay to train 287 previously incarcerated individuals through 14 agencies.
“These grants will help ensure that individuals re-entering our communities have access to meaningful career pathways to set themselves up for success in this next chapter of their lives and obtain new skills and experience in high-demand industries,” Gov. Healey reportedly said. “At the same time, we can connect employers with skilled talent to help them meet their workforce needs.”
According to CommCorp, the New England state holds more than 19,000 men and women daily, including prisons, jails, immigration detention, and juvenile facilities. The following is the reported use of post-incarceration career training taxpayer grants.
- Hospitality: 35 percent
- Transportation and Warehousing: 23 percent
- Construction and Maintenance: 23 percent
- Healthcare: 14 percent
- Manufacturing: 5 percent
The program is designed to reintegrate criminals into society after paying their debt. Gainful employment has been cited as a key to reducing repeat offenses. Massachusetts has an incarceration rate of 275 people per 100,000, ranked among the lowest in the country.
“This significant investment in re-entry programs will empower individuals returning from incarceration and transform outcomes. Access to meaningful programs and equitable pathways advance successful reentry, disrupt cycles of economic adversity, and strengthen communities,” Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy reportedly said. “We commend the grant awardees for their dedication and tireless efforts to deliver these life-changing programs designed to improve people’s lives and reduce recidivism.”
Grants are being largely distributed in $200,000 allotments, with a dozen organizations receiving that amount. The Urban Impact Initiative Massachusetts is expected to offer CDL training. The Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office received the lowest amount at $35,000.
During the previous fiscal year, the Massasoit Community College in Brockton received $160,000 in conjunction with the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department for diesel mechanic training. And the South Bay House of Correction in Boston received $160,000 to train former prisoners for jobs in the logistics, warehouse, and transportation sectors.
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