When I walked out of prison, I found myself in an unfamiliar world. Technology had changed significantly during my incarceration. I lacked support from family members, and my resume was outdated. Fortunately, my local union provided me with a pathway to a better life.
Job openings across various industries remain unfilled, and employers struggle to hire workers. It is crucial for labor unions throughout our state to support meaningful sentencing reforms that will strengthen our communities and bolster our workforce.
Extensive research has overwhelmingly shown that incarceration is the least effective and most expensive approach to enhancing public safety. By supporting workers and addressing our high prison population, we can offer second chances to more individuals and fill the increasing number of job openings in our state.
Earlier this year, New York lawmakers passed the Clean Slate law to seal criminal records. This crucial step will provide thousands of New York residents with greater opportunities, including improved careers and higher earnings. However, our state requires additional reforms that will facilitate the successful reintegration of individuals into society and minimize barriers to their entry into the workforce.
Recently proposed sentencing reform laws would grant judges more discretion and enable incarcerated individuals to reduce their sentences by participating in educational and job training programs. This approach creates greater incentives for people to engage in programs that prepare them for employment, thereby addressing the immediate need for more workers in our labor market.
For the past two years, I have worked as a labor operator for the City of Albany’s Sanitation Department. I am immensely thankful for the various ways I have been able to contribute to my community. Despite my incarceration, I play an integral role and have achieved financial stability. There are countless individuals behind bars who, like me, possess the ability to provide better for their families and strengthen our state’s workforce if given the opportunity.
Dedicated and ambitious workers, such as myself, are eager to reintegrate into the workforce and address the pressing needs of our labor market. Unfortunately, too many of these individuals are incarcerated. New York lawmakers must implement reforms that prioritize people, uphold our commitment to justice, and expand workforce development in our state as we move forward.
Kenneith Carter is a Labor Operator with AFSCME Council 66, Local 1961.
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