California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined a bipartisan group of 36 attorneys general in calling on Congress to pass the Workforce Reentry Act (H.R. 1633). The proposed legislation would make permanent an existing set of grants that support programs helping formerly incarcerated individuals re-enter the workforce after serving their sentences.
Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of both accountability and rehabilitation in the justice system. “Maintaining accountability for wrongdoing and promoting rehabilitation are not contradictory; they are partners in justice. Both must coexist to prepare formerly incarcerated individuals to re-enter our society humanely and safely,” said Bonta. “Funding re-entry programs that decrease recidivism is a key component of protecting our communities. By supporting proven intervention, we are taking a step toward breaking the cycle of violence and incarceration. That is why a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general is urging Congress to act swiftly to pass this legislation. Recidivism threatens public safety, rehabilitation preserves it.”
Federal funding for re-entry programs has been provided for decades due to their track record in reducing repeat offenses, lowering crime rates, protecting victims, and supporting families. However, recidivism remains high: about 68% within three years of release and up to 83% within nine years, which places significant financial strain on taxpayers through criminal justice costs.
The letter from Bonta and his colleagues notes that current grant funding is vulnerable to annual budget debates in Congress, creating uncertainty for organizations running these programs. They argue that permanent funding would allow such organizations—many based in California—to plan effectively and offer stable support for those leaving incarceration.
Bonta stated that consistent grant funding does not undermine accountability but instead reinforces it by providing opportunities for rehabilitation while ensuring public safety. He described H.R. 1633 as a measure that advances public safety, reduces recidivism, and saves taxpayer money.
The letter was signed by attorneys general from states and territories including the District of Columbia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Utah, American Samoa, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee,U.S. Virgin Islands,Vermont ,Washington ,West Virginia ,and Wyoming.
