HOUSE Minority Leader Angel A. Demapan will introduce on Wednesday House Bill 22-101, which proposes to provide tax incentives to employers hiring ex-offenders.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres has proclaimed April 25-29 as Reentry Week, and is encouraging all citizens of the Commonwealth “to recognize the impact that reentry has on preparing people to live safe and productive lives after incarceration.”
“By supporting people who are committed to rectifying their mistakes, redefining themselves, and making meaningful contributions to society, we help reduce recidivism and build safer communities,” the governor said in a proclamation he signed on Thursday.
Demapan’s H.B. 22-101 would qualify an employer hiring a qualified ex-offender for a non-refundable tax credit of $10,000 per worker.
To qualify for the tax credit, the qualified ex-offender hired must be continuously employed by the employer for at least two tax years.
An employer can claim the tax credit for each qualified ex-offender for two tax years only.
In an interview on Monday, Demapan said the bill “is a meaningful step toward reducing recidivism and increasing public safety in our communities as well as reducing our bloated and costly incarceration system.”
He said, oftentimes, non-violent ex-offenders experience an extremely difficult time in their efforts to reintegrate into the community. They’re expected to find work and support themselves and their families.
But instead of helping these people create stable lives, Demapan said too many employers do the opposite via broad-brush exclusionary criminal background checks.
He said hiring the formerly incarcerated is a “win-win-win”: Employers find excellent employees to meet the post-pandemic labor demand. Taxpayers are relieved as prison costs decline. And employers are doing a world of good for people who deserve the opportunity.
“I am pleased to offer this legislation this week in conjunction with the Commonwealth’s observance of Reentry Week. Together, we should support people who are committed to rectifying their mistakes, redefining themselves, and making meaningful contributions to society. Together, we can help reduce recidivism and build safer communities,” Demapan said.
House Minority Leader Angel A. Demapan, right, looks at a document shown to him by Rep. Roy Ada during a House session early last week.
