An employer handbook

In a strong economy, hiring ex-offenders is good business
New handbook informs Wisconsin employers of benefits, resources related to hiring the previously incarcerated

CONTACT: Julie Grace, Badger Institute Policy Analyst, at 330-410-6212 or at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Wisconsin’s low unemployment rate and relatively high labor force participation rate are making it difficult for businesses to find qualified, reliable employees. A solution to this workforce shortage, according to a publication released today by the Badger Institute and Right on Crime, is for employers to consider hiring individuals with criminal records. “Why Hiring the Previously Incarcerated is Good Business: An Employer Handbook ([link removed]) ” informs employers of the benefits of hiring people who are reentering their communities.

“Hiring people with records can be a mutually beneficial arrangement,” said Badger Institute Policy Analyst Julie Grace, coauthor of the handbook. “Wisconsin employers are turning away business because they lack workers. At the same time, thousands of ex-offenders are seeking employment. If they find stable work, their likelihood of returning to prison drops significantly.”

In Wisconsin alone, an estimated 1.4 million people have a criminal record, and half of the individuals incarcerated in Wisconsin’s prison system today will be released in two years or less. Ensuring their success post-release benefits those individuals, their families, communities, public safety and Wisconsin taxpayers.

“We need to bring people from the sidelines into the workforce,” said Grace, who coauthored the publication with Thomas Lyons, state director of Right on Crime. “This handbook provides employers with the information and tools they need to take the first steps.”

The booklet contains information on Wisconsin’s criminal justice system, why post-incarceration employment is critical and the benefits of hiring people with criminal records, as well as testimonials from employers already engaged in this practice.

###

============================================================
We believe competitive free markets, limited government, private initiative and personal responsibility are essential to our democratic way of life. The Badger Institute is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and does not receive government funding. Our work is funded solely through tax-deductible gifts from foundations, companies and individuals. We appreciate your support.
** Contribute ([link removed])
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Twitter ([link removed])
** Website ([link removed])
Copyright © 2019 Badger Institute, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

Our mailing address is:
Badger Institute
700 W. Virginia St., Suite 301
Milwaukee, Wi 53204
USA
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
.