New York could soon start paying inmates thousands of dollars if a new bill passes.
Dollars for Freedom
New York’s latest legal proposal has stirred up a heated debate over the use of taxpayer funds. A new bill, set to give former inmates up to $2,550 upon their release, has caused both applause and outrage.
Return to Life Struggles
It’s clear that for many people, reentering society after being in prison can be a tough process. It takes time to readjust to life and to get back into the swing of things.
Tough Times
Some people might find themselves getting through that process relatively quickly, but some don’t. Well, it’s even tougher if there’s no one and no resources on the outside to support you.
Welcome Back To Society
Imagine stepping out of prison after serving time, only to be handed $40 from your commissary account, a bus pass, and up to $65 worth of clothes. That’s the current reality for many former inmates, who from that moment on, are left to fend for themselves. And that’s where the reasoning behind this new bill has come from.
A Cash Influx
Introduced by Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs, this bill would drastically increase the financial support for former inmates.
Life Changing Money
If passed, it would give up to $2,550 to recently released prisoners over six months, distributed in monthly installments of $425.
Financial Freedom
Inmates would be free to spend this money on what they want, but the intention is for them to use it to pay for essentials like food and rent while they get themselves back on their feet.
Dollars For Dimes
This bill would require $25 million in total funding and would start six months after being made law.
Advocating for Prisoners
Advocacy groups are gearing up for a major rally at the Capitol in Albany to push for the bill’s passage in these next few weeks before the current legislative session ends. Supporters argue that without sufficient financial support, former inmates are at a higher risk of reoffending, ultimately costing the state more in the long run.
Eddie Gibbs Life Story
Eddie Gibbs, a first-term Assembly member and former inmate himself, is leading the charge. Having spent 17 months on Rikers Island and three years in prison for manslaughter, Gibbs knows firsthand how hard it can be to reenter society.
Avoiding Repeat Offending
“With adequate support we are able to reduce recidivism and help aid re-entry efforts,” Gibbs said.
Gate Money
The struggle of reintegrating into society after being in prison isn’t unique to New York. A 2019 survey by The Marshall Project found that “gate money” – the money ex-offenders are given on release – across 42 states varied widely, with some states offering nothing and others, like California, providing up to $200.
Newsom’s Veto
California tried to increase the amount of gate money available to $1300, but Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed the bill. New York’s proposed $2,550 would set a nationwide high.
Election Year Means Funding May Be Scarce
New York’s proposed $25 million budget for this program is a drop in the bucket compared to the state’s overall $237 billion budget. But it is still expected to face strong opposition – particularly as it’s an election year.
Republican Criticisms
Republican critics have long attacked Democratic lawmakers over the 2019 bail reforms, and Democrats will be very wary of looking soft on crime.
Vocal Advocacy Groups
Four major advocacy groups have argued that the funds are crucial for helping former inmates meet basic needs and prevent reoffending. The Center for Employment Opportunities, a Manhattan-based nonprofit, has been particularly vocal.
Advocate Groups Helping Ex-Offenders
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, they have given out $24 million to over 10,000 ex-prisoners, including $4.3 million in New York alone. “This support will not only aid them in stabilizing and moving towards self-sufficiency but has strong potential to reduce recidivism, thereby saving taxpayers money while improving public safety,” read a joint statement from the advocacy groups.
Prison Statistics
Data from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision shows that 9,358 people were released from New York prisons last year.
Is It Enough?
As of May 1, the state increased gate money to $200, covered by state funds if inmates don’t have the money in their commissary accounts. While this has catapulted the state from one of the lowest payers to the highest, advocates argue that it’s still not enough.
Eyes On Albany
Opponents of the bill remain unconvinced. They’re concerned about the immediate financial implications and the message it sends. Regardless of how this bill plays out, all eyes are on Albany.
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