Surrounded by state leaders, Gov. Andy Beshear signed House Bill 5 Monday at the Northpoint Training Center in Burgin.
The reentry campus set to be established here will help 400 inmates a year acquire jobs skills and training provided by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
“After they pay their debt to society, we want inmates to be productive and successful members of their communities and to be part of this robust economy,” Beshear said. “We want them to share in the success we’re seeing in Kentucky.”
House Bill 5 received unanimous bipartisan support in both chambers of the General Assembly.
Participants will become KCTCS students and must maintain good behavior and show success to continue in the program.
“This type of program, we have seen both through our work and around the country, reduces re-offenses. It reduces recidivism. It means that a crime that could have occurred never will. No victim. No traumatized family.”
Inmates will receive vocational training in industries that are growing in Kentucky. Some of the careers include welding, HVAC, electrical work, plumbing, auto and collision repair. Participants can also prepare to become linemen or barbers.
“One of the best predictors for decreasing recidivism is providing access to gainful employment,” KCTCS President Ryan Quarles said. “Economic development is our guide star, and this is one more way we’re helping Kentucky meet its workforce needs.”
Lead sponsor Rep. Jennifer Decker, R-Waddy, said the bill could have social benefits as well.
“Because we have authorized the new school doors to be open here at Northpoint, I’m confident fewer prison doors will close behind Kentuckians in the years ahead,” she said.
