When people leave the criminal justice system, a combination of family support, community assistance, and economic opportunity is needed to help them stay out. Having access to employment opportunities is key, providing not just financial resources, but also connections to society that help those with criminal records reintegrate successfully. Read our report released this week.
Unfortunately, people with a criminal record are often turned away from jobs despite their skills and qualifications, with a criminal record acting as a barrier that cuts off employment opportunities before the hiring process even begins. This strains critical family supports and provides financial incentives to engage in illegal behaviors.
Curious about all the proposed tax plans out there during this campaign season? Here’s your chance to compare them while also creating your own. See how changing tax rates makes them better or worse for working families.
Check out this tool created by Tax Justice Now.
West Virginia’s 3rd House District, which mostly covers the southern part of the state, has lost 6.6% of its population since 2010 giving it the dubious distinction of first place in the country. This decline of about 40,000 people will affect the 2020 Census count leading to the likely loss of one of the state’s seats in the House of Representatives.
Read more on the national picture in this Roll Call article in which Sean explains what’s happening in West Virginia.
West Virginia’s failure to invest in higher education has shifted more and more costs onto students and worsened racial and class inequality, where rising tuition costs can deter low-income students and students of color from attending college.
Read more in this report out this week from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema, downstairs in Taylor Books, Capitol Street,
7:00 PM. Tickets available here.
Please join us for the release of the Criminal Justice Listening Project Report next month at the State Capitol! The West Virginia Criminal Justice Listening Project collected stories about the criminal justice system from over two hundred people around the state.
The majority of those interviewed have experienced incarceration or have had family members behind bars. The individuals surveyed shared their observations as pastors, volunteers, attorneys, correctional officers and staff of community re-entry programs.
The event will take place on Monday, November 18 at 11:00AM in Governor’s Press Conference Room.
RSVP on the Facebook event or by emailing Rhonda Marrone. The event will also be live streamed on Facebook.
Mark your calendar for January 15, 2020 for our 7th annual Budget Breakfast as we kick off the 2020 Legislative Session.
Registration now open!
