The Workforce Reentry Act establishes a federal grant and contract program to help formerly incarcerated individuals return to work by providing job training, placement services, and mentoring. The bill creates two funding mechanisms: at least 30 percent of available funds will support "pay-for-performance" contracts rewarding organizations that meet specific employment outcomes, while remaining funds will support competitive grants to nonprofits, government agencies, employers, schools, and other organizations to deliver skills training and job placement services. Eligible participants are individuals released from prison or jail within the past two years, though up to 10 percent can be individuals who have been out longer. Grantees must contribute matching funds (25 percent initially, 50 percent for renewals) and are required to coordinate with workforce development systems and other support services for housing, mental health, and substance abuse treatment. The program emphasizes evidence-based approaches and requires annual reporting to Congress and the Secretary of Labor on program outcomes, recidivism rates, and employment success, with an independent evaluation due within five years. The bill does not authorize new appropriations but instead uses existing workforce development funding streams.
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