(The Marketplace) – The governor of North Carolina issued an executive order on Monday, adding a third member to the National Reentry 2030 effort.
The other two are Missouri and Alabama.
In an effort to lower recidivism, the Department of Corrections will work with other Cabinet agencies to provide resources for “reentry services” as it releases thousands of inmates each year. “Many formerly incarcerated people are eager to change their lives, get a job, and join their communities,” stated Democratic governor Roy Cooper, a two-term incumbent.
Cooper stated that funding is needed for the order, although not mentioning it in his statement. In order to fund his efforts, he plans to approach the Republican-majority General Assembly for funding.
According to its website, Reentry 2030 takes a human-centered, coordinated, transparent, and egalitarian approach. The founder of Game Plan for Life and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Joe Gibbs, commended the governor for “giving people a second chance and for his ongoing leadership on this issue.”
Cooper was born and reared on a tobacco farm near Nashville, Nash County, and Gibbs’ effort includes a jail ministry there.
Cooper hopes that the state will:
• A 75% increase in the amount of college and high school degrees obtained by those behind bars.
· Cut the proportion of prisoners who become homeless after being released from prison by half.
• Through Local Reentry Councils, offer help to formerly jailed individuals upon their release from prison in every county in the state.
• A 25% increase in the quantity of post-secondary degrees provided at the facilities.
• A 30% rise in the quantity of Pell Grant partners.
• Ensure that before being released from prison, all eligible inmates are given the chance to enroll for Medicaid.
• A 50% increase in the quantity of apprenticeships that people serving prison sentences have completed, and
• A 30% rise in the quantity of second chance employer partners.
