Reentry advocates urge the Assembly to fund gate money, housing and workforce pathways

Reentry providers and advocacy groups told the Assembly Standing Committee on Correction that immediate cash assistance at release, coordinated reentry planning and investments in housing and jobs are essential to reduce returns to custody.

Alyssa Bridal of the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) testified that more than 11,000 people are released from state prison with only about $200 and urged creation of a sustainable reentry fund (the "gate money" bill discussed in testimony) modeled to provide stronger short‑term cash assistance and transitional supports; testimony referenced a proposed figure of roughly $425 per month for the first six months as a policy example to address immediate needs. Bridal said CEO's transitional work crews and paid placements return $3.30 for every dollar invested by improving job placement and stability.

Megan French Marcelin of the Legal Action Center presented a white paper documenting service gaps—especially housing—in Upstate and Western New York, and recommended a pilot for DOCS to coordinate reentry planning directly with community providers, expanded supportive housing, and occupational licensing reforms to help formerly incarcerated people obtain employment in licensed fields. Marcelin also noted high unemployment among formerly incarcerated people and urged scalable models of supportive housing and on‑site case management.

Formerly incarcerated speakers and peer‑led program leaders emphasized credible messenger and peer mentoring programs as cost‑effective tools to reduce recidivism and to increase engagement in services. The committee requested copies of written testimony and said members would review fiscal estimates and potential budget language during the next session.