Policymakers responding to the coronavirus crisis must address the economic stability of those impacted by the justice system who have been struggling to find employment and meet the needs of themselves and their families. While policymakers look to stabilize workers during the crisis, individuals impacted by the justice system are more likely to be unemployed or working low-wage jobs that may be less secure and/or put them at risk of infection. Over 30 percent of formerly incarcerated people are unemployed up to two years after returning to their communities. Nearly 13 percent are estimated to be unemployed after four or more years. This lack of employment history can limit their ability to receive paid family and medical leave and expanded unemployment benefits passed in previous response bills. Congress must ensure that youth and adults, including those who have recently returned home, can get cash, housing, food and nutrition assistance, and access to physical and mental health care. We must begin to invest significantly in pathways to quality employment for this particular population and other workers with barriers to employment. Congress and states/localities can help provide economic stability to youth and adults impacted by the justice system by: Funding large-scale subsidized employment programs; Strengthening and expanding existing federal programs;Decarcerating people in jails, prisons, and detention centers and reducing admissions;Suspending or eliminating restrictions on cash, food and nutrition, housing and health, and mental health supports; and Eliminating the threat of reincarceration for technical violations of community supervision and providing cash, food, and housing assistance to ensure economic stability. The next COVID response package must center equity and justice. Individuals impacted by the criminal justice system have been historically oppressed and are even further marginalized during times of crisis. While we fight to advance economic justice, we must also center the needs of this community and ensure our nation's response is inclusive and just. Read blog by Duy Pham and Kisha Bird.  

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