Eligible offenders are people who have been convicted of a criminal offense and have been released from incarceration for no more than one year or are scheduled to be released within a year.
The program would cost about $5 million annually, and matching funds would be required for the grant program. Funds from the federal government would not exceed 50% of the project cost, according to a release from Turner’s office.
Turner said people leaving prison deserve opportunities to successfully reenter communities. He said the pilot program created by the legislation could reduce recidivism, unemployment and homelessness.
“By providing federal funds to HBCU’s, we are investing in future career and educational opportunities for Americans seeking to turn their lives around. I urge my colleagues to support this vital initiative,” Turner said.
Turner, who represents Ohio’s 10th district, joined Reps. French Hill, a Republican from Arkansas, Steve Cohen, a Democrat from Tennessee, and Terri Sewell, a Democrat from Alabama, to introduce the legislation.
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