Congresswoman Barbara Lee joins Rep. Danny Davis in Introducing the Federal Prison Work Incentive Act
For Immediate Release
March 12, 2009
Contact: Nicole Y. Williams
(202) 225-2661
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), joined Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL) in introducing the Federal Prison Work Incentive Act. Under the proposed legislation, each prisoner convicted of an offense against the United States and confined in a penal or correctional institution for a definite term other than life, whose record of conduct shows that he or she has faithfully observed all the rules, is entitled to a deduction from the term sentence up to 15 days per month. This would begin with the first day of the sentence. The amount of time varies depending on, among other things, the length of the prisoner’s sentence and work assignment. This deduction is used to determine when an inmate is eligible for release from the full term expiration of the imposed sentence.
“If we are serious about the rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals, we must provide an incentive for them to work towards that goal,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “‘Good time’ credits are a sensible and inexpensive way to prevent prison overcrowding. Additionally, by rewarding the good behavior of prisoners, we can reinforce positive habits that will continue as they re-enter society, which will in turn reduce recidivism.”
Congresswoman Lee has been a leading advocate for criminal justice reform. She is the co-founder of the Annual Clean Slate Summit, a collaboration of state and county governments, law enforcement agencies, nonprofit groups and legal advocates in California’s East Bay to help formerly incarcerated individuals clear up their criminal records and regain access to vital employment, housing and educational services.
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