For individuals transitioning back into society after incarceration in New York, the current support system offers a mere $40, a MetroCard, and a non-driver ID. This package, known as “gate money,” is intended to assist with immediate needs like transportation and basic necessities as people reintegrate into their communities. However, the inadequacy of this sum is stark, especially considering that fifty years ago, $40 was already deemed insufficient.
The Brennan Center advocates for the Gate Money Program bill (S. 6643A/A. 9115), which aims to increase financial support for people leaving prison through a dedicated reentry fund. This initiative seeks to bridge the financial gap between incarceration and successful community reintegration. Prioritizing support for returning community members is not just a matter of social justice; it’s a necessary investment New York can no longer afford to neglect.
Annually, New York sees the release of approximately 157,047 men and 31,470 women from prison. Re-entering society is a formidable challenge for these individuals, who often lack savings or financial resources. This financial vulnerability is compounded by the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction, which create significant barriers to essential resources. Securing employment, stable housing, and access to higher education are major hurdles. Even when employment is secured, formerly incarcerated individuals typically earn only about half of what their peers without incarceration records make.
Recent initiatives have shown promising results in supplementing the limited support provided by New York State. Notably, in April 2020, the Center for Employment Opportunities launched the Returning Citizen Stimulus program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program provided cash assistance to nearly 2,000 New Yorkers released from incarceration, with remarkable outcomes. Evaluations revealed that recipients primarily used the funds for essential needs: food, housing, transportation, and personal care. Broader research into cash assistance programs demonstrates a correlation with reduced violent crime arrest rates. Furthermore, short-term financial support has been shown to significantly decrease recidivism, particularly among women. Participants in cash assistance programs also reported that it facilitated their ability to find and maintain employment.
The Gate Money Program proposes a substantial improvement by providing stipends of $425 per month for up to six months—a total of up to $2,550—for individuals compliant with their release conditions. This amount, adjusted annually for inflation, would be funded by a $25 million allocation from the state general fund. To put this into perspective, New York spends an average of $115,000 annually to incarcerate a single person, and the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision’s annual budget exceeds $3 billion. Investing in re-entry programs like the Gate Money Program presents a significant opportunity for economic benefits. By supporting successful reintegration, the state can reduce recidivism rates, leading to substantial savings for taxpayers and safer communities.
The Gate Money Program bill represents a crucial opportunity to decrease recidivism, enhance public safety, and generate cost savings for New York. Lawmakers are urged to embrace this initiative, which promises to benefit all New Yorkers by fostering safer, more inclusive communities and offering a pathway to stability for returning citizens.
