10.22.21 Advocacy Alert: Hochul Signs Parolee Employment Legislation
Blog Categories
October 22, 2021
Today, Governor Kathy Hochul signed S.2803/A.5707 into law. This legislation reduces barriers to employment for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Curfews are commonly included in probation or conditional discharge sentences. These restrictions can prevent the formerly incarcerated from working second- and third-shift jobs, limiting their job prospects.
This is one of many barriers to employment for parolees. 27.3% of formerly incarcerated individuals are unemployed, and employment is associated with reduced recidivism.
This legislation addresses the curfew problem by providing that “performance of bona fide work for an employer, including travel time” shall not be considered a violation of a probation or conditional discharge sentence. Effectively, this means parolees can work during their curfew times.
The BNP supported this legislation. This legislation can help employers address workforce shortages and reduces barriers to successful reentry.
Related Posts
Senate to Consider Innovation & Competition Act
The U.S. Senate has begun formal consideration of the U.S. Innovation & Competition Act (S. 1260), previously known as the Endless Frontier Act. This bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, recently passed the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and a floor vote is expected by the end of May.
5.17.21 COVID-19 Bulletin: Cuomo Lifts Mask Mandate for Vaccinated New Yorkers
Starting this Wednesday, May 19, 2021, fully vaccinated New Yorkers no longer need to wear a mask or face covering outdoors and in most indoor settings.
UU Analysis: NYHA Will Add Costs, Eliminate Jobs
Upstate United, a BNP partner organization and non-partisan, pro-taxpayer, pro-economic growth, and pro-Upstate education advocacy coalition, recently analyzed the research on the potential economic impact of the New York Health Act (NYHA).
5.7.21 BNP Advocacy Alert – Extended Producer Responsibility Act Too Costly for New York
For weeks, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership has sounded the alarm on S. 1185, known as the Extended Producer Responsibility Act. This bill would broadly shift the responsibility of recycling packaging material (carton, glass, metal), paper and plastic products from municipalities to businesses, which the BNP suspected would add exorbitant costs onto businesses and consumers.