Utilizing Educational Opportunities to Reduce Recidivism Rates

Recidivism is an ongoing problem within our state. Although it has lowered since the 1980s, the numbers are still discouraging. According to the most recent report from the Department of Corrections, a first-time offender has a 26 percent chance of returning to prison. Once they are incarcerated again, however, the recidivism rate jumps to more than 50 percent within five years.

This hurts our state in many ways. First off, those offenders, if properly rehabilitated, could become contributing members of society; honest, hard-working taxpayers that paid for their crime, and then moved forward. It also adds to a corrections budget that already takes up a substantial chunk of general revenue, money that could be put toward other pressing priorities.  

There are many factors that contribute to this issue, but one of particular note is a lack of opportunities for newly-released offenders. After spending months, or sometimes years, in jail or prison, they’re suddenly placed back into society. Only now, they’re at a severe disadvantage. With a record, it’s often difficult to find housing. Gaining decent employment cane be even more of a challenge. Even those who try their best to reform their lives face seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

If we truly believe that the corrections system is about rehabilitating offenders, then we need to make more of an effort as a state to provide them opportunities while in prison so that they have an honest chance at turning their lives around upon release. One of the best ways we can do that is by continuing to invest in programs that allow inmates to earn their GEDS, receive job training, working with schools and employers to offer paths to occupational certification or licensure, and ensure offenders have a copy of that license or certificate upon release.

Toward this goal, I’ve filed Senate Bill 188, which would require the Department of Corrections to increase to the number of prisoners who earn GEDs and provide certain job-related training programs. These programs have shown to be a success in reducing recidivism rates, which increases public safety by reducing repeat-offenders; gives inmates an avenue to true rehabilitation; and reduces the costs of housing these offenders for years.