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Oakland Post

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Low earnings and unstable employment before incarceration may play a larger role in the cycle of imprisonment than previously understood, according to a new report from the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) that tracks the work histories of nearly 170,000 people released from state prisons.

The report, Employment Before, During, and After Prison in California, found that many people entering prison had weak ties to the labor market, often working temporary, low-paying jobs that failed to lift them above the federal poverty line. Researchers said the findings underscore the need for stronger education, workforce development and employment programs to improve long-term economic outcomes and reduce barriers to successful reentry.

The study analyzed employment records for people released from California prisons between 2015 and 2019, examining their work histories before incarceration, jobs held while in prison and employment after release. Researchers found that nearly half of those studied never held a job outside prison during the period examined, while one in four had no recorded employment before, during or after incarceration.

“Policymakers have long sought to promote employment among released prisoners through policies and programs that reduce incarceration and broaden access to the labor market,” researcher Heather Harris stated. “This descriptive report provides previously unavailable information about employment before, during, and after incarceration among released prisoners with the aim of highlighting opportunities for improvement.”

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Before incarceration, about one-third of employed individuals worked temporary jobs. After release, that share increased to 42%, suggesting employment remained unstable even after returning to the community. The report also found that prison jobs generally paid about 40% less than the national average, and nearly one-third of incarcerated workers received no wages at all.

Researchers found that low earnings were common throughout the employment histories they examined. Only 28% of people employed before incarceration earned more than the federal poverty threshold in at least one year. Although that share rose to 45% after release, many workers continued to earn too little to achieve lasting financial stability.

The report also identified significant disparities, with Black workers earning an average of 38% less than White workers and women earning about 20% less than men.

Despite those challenges, the report identified several factors associated with stronger employment outcomes. Individuals who worked before incarceration were nine times more likely to find employment after release, while prison jobs, vocational education, college coursework and substance use disorder treatment were all linked to improved employment prospects.

“Our findings suggest that improving access to education, job training and employment opportunities before, during and after incarceration could strengthen labor market outcomes for formerly incarcerated Californians,” Harris stated.

The researchers said expanding evidence-based workforce and education programs could help break the connection between persistent low earnings and incarceration, while improving economic mobility and reducing the likelihood of future justice system involvement.

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