A new bill put out by state legislators in New York would provide approximately $2,600 to releasing prisoners to assist them in getting back on their feet.
Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Eddie Gibbs and State Senator Kevin Parker would enable prisoners to receive approximately $400 a month for six months following their release from jail.
Fox 5 New York reports that as the bill stands, there are no restrictions on where or how the money can be used.
“In New York, crime pays, literally,” State Senator George Borrello said.
Borrello declared he is vehemently against the plan and that the state needs to put other bills ahead of compensating released prisoners.
“My colleagues seem to think that these are folks that are a victim of circumstances,” Borrello said. “You chose to commit a crime in New York State. If you are concerned about how much money you’re going to have in your pocket when you leave prison, then don’t go there to begin with.”
At the moment, $40 is paid to ex-offenders as compensation for their earnings that were deducted while they were imprisoned.
“In this economy that amount is barely enough to get groceries or purchase clothes for a job interview,” Gibbs said. “The first 72 hours after release are crucial in determining an individual’s successful reintegration into society. By increasing the amount to up to $2,550 in the span of a few months, we allow folks the opportunity to reach their full potential. This isn’t just a social justice bill but a public safety one. We need to start offering real support to folks re-entering society if we want to reduce recidivism and ensure stability and dignity for all.”
Ismael Diaz Jr. of the Center for Community Alternatives, who has served time in prison, claims that $40 is insufficient to assist ex-offenders in their reintegration into society.
“They’ve been doing this for over 50 years, that’s what they give you,” Diaz Jr. stated, noting that forty dollars was worth a lot more fifty years ago than it is today.
The bill’s sponsors are asking for $25 million to be put aside for this new project.
According to Samra Haider of The Center for Employment Opportunities, which is supporting the bill, giving released prisoners additional funds has been shown to reduce recidivism by about 30%.
“It just helps them give a little breathing room to allow them to focus on their job search, re-acclimate to the community, and so we think that will help an individual’s reentry home from prison,” Haider said.