Reentry Orgs Secure $10M in CA Budget

SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) applauds the California State Legislature and Governor Newsom for including 10 million dollars in California's budget for Helping Justice-Impacted Reenter Employment (HIRE). CEO is grateful to the dedicated advocacy of legislative champions like State Assemblymember Dr. Lashae Sharp-Collins. CEO is also appreciative of State Assemblymembers Jesse Gabriel and Sharon Quirk-Silva, and State Senators Scott Wiener and Laura Richardson, the Re-Entry Providers Association of California, and over 40 organizations who supported the HIRE coalition.

"Securing $10 million for the HIRE initiative in this year's budget reflects a growing recognition in the Legislature that reentry and workforce development for justice-involved individuals are essential to both public safety and fiscal responsibility," said California Assemblywoman Dr. Sharp-Collins, 79th District. "I was proud to lead this request and push for this funding alongside a powerful coalition of advocates and service providers. This allocation is a significant win, especially in a difficult budget year, and allows us to continue progress on reducing recidivism and strengthening the foundation for successful reintegration. I remain committed to building on this momentum and fighting for long-term, sustained support for reentry in California."

"CEO is grateful to Governor Newsom and The California State Legislature for making sure holistic reentry support is reflected in the state's budget. Through HIRE, CEO and its partners have provided nearly $600,000 in direct cash payments and connected over 1,200 Californians to essential services, setting them on the path to stable employment and autonomy," said Sam Schaeffer, CEO of the Center for Employment Opportunities. "We look forward to working with lawmakers to ensure a permanent funding stream for HIRE next session."

"This investment in the HIRE program reflects a long-overdue recognition that true public safety starts when we create opportunity. Investments in reentry are proven to reduce rates of re-offense, bolstering public safety," said Saun G. Hough, Partnerships Director, Californians for Safety and Justice. "We know that when people coming home have access to stable jobs, housing, and community support, they're far more likely to succeed and that's how we achieve the safety that every community and neighborhood in this state desires and deserves. We applaud the legislature and the Governor for prioritizing these resources and keeping these critical investments intact."

The full press can be found here: ceoworks.org

Contact:
Claire Gross, Sr. Manager of Public Relations 
cgross@ceoworks.org | (646) 370-8292

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SOURCE Center for Employment Opportunities