Requests the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to align its job training programs across all prison systems to high-demand, high-wage jobs in a gender-neutral manner to assist women in attaining such jobs upon release
Impact
The resolution reflects an ongoing concern regarding the high incarceration rates of women in Louisiana, primarily for nonviolent and poverty-related crimes. Recognizing that current training offerings for women are limited compared to their male counterparts, HCR204 seeks to promote equality in job training programs. By shifting focus towards industries such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the bill aims to empower women to achieve financial independence and lower recidivism rates following their release.
Summary
HCR204 is a concurrent resolution from the Louisiana Legislature urging the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to update job training programs in prisons to align with high-demand, high-wage jobs, focusing on a gender-neutral approach. The resolution stems from findings by the Louisiana Women's Policy and Research Commission, highlighting significant economic and employment disparities for women, particularly those incarcerated. It emphasizes the need for adequate job training for female inmates in fields where they can earn a living wage upon release, thereby reducing their likelihood of reoffending.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HCR204 appears broadly supportive, particularly among advocates for gender equality and criminal justice reform. The call to improve job training for women is seen as a crucial step in facilitating their reintegration into society. However, some may criticize the resolution for not providing specific funding or implementation strategies, highlighting a potential gap between the request and practical execution.
Contention
While the resolution itself does not create binding law, its success hinges on the Department of Public Safety and Corrections' willingness to adopt these recommendations. Noteworthy points of contention may arise regarding the commitment of resources and the effectiveness of the proposed changes in training programs. The encouragement to align offerings across all prison systems also opens discussions about the broader implications for prison reform and gender equity in Louisiana's correctional facilities.
Commends DPS&C for transferring certain equipment to the La. Correctional Institute for Women to begin offering female inmates training programs for high-demand and high-wage jobs
Requests the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to establish partnerships with area universities to provide additional access to individual therapy and drug treatment for inmates at the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women
Requests strategies to provide offenders committed to the Department of Public Safety and Corrections and confined in parish correctional facilities the necessary education, job skills and training, and needed behaviors, and to provide needed mental health care to all offenders committed to the department, to facilitate successful reentry upon release.
Requests strategies to provide offenders committed to the Department of Public Safety and Corrections and confined in parish correctional facilities the necessary education, job skills, and training, and needed behaviors, and to provide needed mental health care to all offenders committed to the department to facilitate successful reentry upon release.
Requests the Department of Public Safety and Corrections and other penal institutions that provide inmate training to provide access to training for inmates who are deaf and hard of hearing
Requires that information be provided to students about high-demand, high-wage jobs during the development and revision of their individual graduation plans. (gov sig)
Requests that the state Dept. of Education and public school governing authorities implement certain measures based on the La. Women's Policy and Research Commission's recommendations pertaining to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education in its 2013 report to the governor
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.